HISTORY OF WORLD CIVILIZATIONS I   Instructor:  Colette Higgins
HISTORY 151 -- Fall 2010 Office: 'Ohia 103B
  Telephone: 734-9582
Sec. 31302  (MW 4:45-6:00 p.m.) Olonā 20 Office Hours:
  Mon (2:00-3:00 p.m.)
  Wed & Fri (11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon)
InstructorÕs web site:  http://www2.hawaii.edu/~chiggins/    (and by appointment)
   

  

                                                                                                         

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An interpretive survey of the development of civilizations from prehistoric times to the 16th century.  It examines the events, personalities, institutions, and ideas that shaped the major world civilizations.  This course also has a Service Learning option for those students who want to incorporate community service into their course work.

 

GENERAL EDUCATION STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (KCC Catalog 2009-2010, Programs pg. 117)

     ×       Thinking/Inquiry

     ×       Communication

     ×       Self & Community/Diversity of Human Experiences

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES / COMPETENCIES

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

      á Distinguish between the different characteristics of the world's major civilizations in their geographic settings.

      á Trace the development of traditional civilizations and recognize their enduring influences.

      á Describe global processes (e.g. agricultural and urban revolutions, emergence and growth of civilization, human migration, disease, ecological forces, imperialism, neo-imperialism, decolonization, industrialization, etc.).

      á Describe the interactive roles which social, religious, political, economic, scientific and technological forces have played among the civilizations of the world.

      á Manifest a sense of historical time.

      á Evaluate such historical theories as the "great person" in history or deterministic interpretations.

      á Examine the historical dimensions of contemporary world affairs and issues.

      á Compare and contrast responses of the world's peoples as a result of intercultural contacts and the diffusion of ideas, institutions and inventions.

      á Draw upon their knowledge of the varieties of human experiences, and their sympathetic understanding of cultures other than their own, to define their roles as citizens of the contemporary world.

      á Express informed judgments on the behavior of peoples and their institutions.

      á Analyze cause and effect relationships in history.

      á Examine the major attempts to explore the ethical and fundamental questions of life posed throughout history.

 

 

      á _________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

      á _________________________________________________________________________________

 

 


REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

       á Howard Spodek's The WorldÕs History, Vol. I: Prehistory to 1500

3rd edition (2006) ISBN 0-13-177316-X or 4th edition (2010) ISBN 9780205708383

 

REQUIRED SUPPLIES

       á Four Scantron Forms (No. 883-E)

            These sheets have 50 multiple choice questions on the front, fifteen matching questions on the

            back, and a lined section on the back labeled ÒShort Essay/Completion.Ó

 

                                                     

EVALUATION    

Examinations 
4 X 100 points each = 400 (57%)
Writing Project (3 parts) 
(20 + 30 + 50) = 100 (14%)
Think/Writes or SL Journal/Reflection

4 X 15 points each = 60 (9%)

Class Assignments   
= 90 (13%)
Attendance      
25 X 2 points each = 50 (7%)
 
Total points possible = 700

 

                                                                         

 

EXAMINATIONS Thinking/Inquiry 

To measure knowledge and understanding of historical information, there will be four examinations that are objective in nature (i.e. multiple choice, matching, and short answer questions).  Exam questions will be based on reading assignments and the material presented in class.  Unit study guides are available on the instructorÕs web site.  These study guides should help students focus on the important concepts, terms, and people.  In addition, the Spodek textbookÕs web site provides a helpful online study guide at www.prenhall.com/spodek.  Students must purchase their own scantron forms at the KCC bookstore.  You must come prepared for each exam with your scantron form, #2 pencil, and an eraser.  Examinations cannot be made up without a good reason, and a student may be asked to provide written documentation to take a make up exam (i.e. doctor's or employer's note).  Make up exams are essay in nature and must be taken at the testing center in the library.

 

WRITING PROJECT  Communication Thinking/Inquiry

To teach writing as a process, there will be one writing project that must be done in three parts over the course of the semester to earn full credit.  Each part of the assignment will require you to submit a computer-generated paper (see Writing Project online for specific details).  You will need to meet specific deadlines for each part of this project (see Class Schedule).  Late papers will not be accepted for Parts I & II because there will be in-class peer review sessions directly related to these.  Late papers will be accepted for Part III, but will be assessed a penalty of five points for each class day a paper is late. 

 

THINK/WRITES Self & Community  Communication 

To help you make connections between your existing knowledge and the new insights and information being acquired in this class, you will submit four Think/Write assignments during the semester.  These will give you the opportunity to share your experiences and points-of-view regarding the various issues raised in class.  You will be choosing from a list of Think/Write questions on the instructorÕs web site.  Each Think/Write should be about 250-500 words in length. 

 

You will post each Think/Write in the discussion area of Laulima by 11:59 p.m. on the day itÕs due.  Be mindful that your readers for these Think/Writes are your classmates and the instructor.   You should read at least half of the Think/Writes posted by your classmates by the start of the class period following the posted deadline so you can comment on what your classmates have written.  You will be graded on your ability to communicate your ideas and make connections to course content.  These should be well organized, clearly written, and free of grammar or spelling errors. If you choose the Service Learning option, you will substitute SL Journals. Late Think/Writes (or SL Journals) will not be accepted (see Class Schedule for due dates).

 

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS Self & Community Communication

To encourage class participation, there will be class assignments that include small group activities, answering questions based on videos, and short free-writes.  These assignments vary in points (5 or 10 points) depending on the level of difficulty and the time needed to complete each assignment.  In general, class assignments should be completed during class, but if time doesnÕt permit completion during class, students will be asked to complete the task as homework.  If the assignment is based on a video shown in class or a group activity, there will be no make-up opportunities.  If the assignment is reading based, there may be an opportunity to make up the assignment, but it must be submitted before we start the next unit. 

 

ATTENDANCE  Self & Community

To build a learning community it is essential that you attend class.  Roll will be taken at the start of each class period (except exam days).  If you are in class when roll is taken, you will earn two attendance points for that day.  If you are late to class (i.e. tardy), you are responsible for notifying the instructor at the end of that class so you can earn one point for that day.  You are expected to stay in class for the duration of the class period.  If leaving class early becomes habitual, the instructor reserves the right to deduct a point (i.e. treated like a tardy).  If your cell phone rings during class, you will forfeit your two attendance points for that class day.  If it rings during an exam, two points will be deducted from your test.  

 

POLICIES ON DRAFTS & PAPERS

á      You may submit drafts of your Think/Writes and Writing Project (Parts 2 & 3) to the instructor for review and feedback, but drafts will only be accepted up to one week prior to a paper's deadline. 

á      Students who attempt to put papers in the instructorÕs mail tray, or send it via e-mail, will assume all risks and responsibilities inherent in those methods of submission.

á      Late papers will not be accepted in this class.  The only exception to this rule is Writing Project (Part 3), which will be accepted late, but with a five point penalty for each class day that itÕs late.

 

KCC RESOURCES

á      Various workshops are offered here at KapiÔolani Community College to assist students with their study skills. The Secrets of Success (SOS) series of workshops are strongly recommended to all college students, especially first year students who find it difficult to cope with the many challenges of college life.  These workshops are usually held in the library from 12:15-1:15 p.m.  For the complete Fall 2010 SOS schedule go to http://library.kcc.hawaii.edu/SOS/index.html.

á      Are you a first- or second-semester student with questions about campus services available to you?  Do you need to know who to contact for advising about courses for your major?  Are you feeling uneasy about college and just need help and support?  If so, you are invited to visit the First-Year Experience (FYE) office (1st floor 'Iliahi near Subway), email them at kapstart@hawaii.edu or call 734-9245.

á      Extended time for exams in a distraction-free environment is an appropriate accommodation based on a student's disability.  If you have a disability and have not voluntarily disclosed the nature of your disability and the support you need, you are invited to contact the Disability Support Services Office (DSSO) at 734-9552 (V/TTY), `Ilima 103, for assistance.

 

EXTRA CREDIT OPTION  (maximum of 20 points)

Students are encouraged to watch for articles in newspapers & magazines, programs on television, and events around town for reaction paper topics. If you find anything relating to this history course and would like to write an extra credit reaction paper on it, you should consult with the instructor first to verify its relevance.  You may also answer additional Think/Write questions, or attend the Secrets of Success (SOS) workshops for extra credit.  A typical extra credit assignment is worth 5 points and usually consists of a reaction paper (250-500 words in length).  Handwritten extra credit papers will be accepted only if they are legible.  You may submit these throughout the semester.  Students who choose the Service Learning option will write an end-of-semester reflection essay that will count as their full 20 extra credit points (see page 4 of this syllabus).

 

 

SERVICE LEARNING OPTION (SL)

Communication
Self & Community

 

KapiÔolani Community College's Service Learning Program encourages students to serve in the community as a way to integrate "real life" experiences with classroom learning.  It can be a very rewarding experience as you "learn to serve and serve to learn."  If you choose this option you will need to complete a minimum of 20 hours of service during the semester at an approved site/program.  If you are already doing Service Learning, and you think that it could apply to this course, you should meet with the instructor to discuss the possibility of continuing that service for this class.

 

Approved Site

Contact

Phone # or email

International Cafe

Linda Fujikawa

734-9712 or lindaf@hawaii.edu

S.H.I.N.E. (starts:  9/4/10)

Candice Sakuda

csakuda@chaminade.edu

Malama i na AhupuaÕa

Nelda Quensell

734-9428 or nquensel@hawaii.edu

Palolo Pipeline Project

Ulla Hasager

956-4218 or ulla@hawaii.edu

ÔIolani Palace

Volunteer Services Asst.

522-0821 or info@iolanipalace.org

Mission Houses Museum

Elizabeth Nosek

enosek@missionhouses.org

Kalaupapa Names Project

Colette Higgins

chiggins@hawaii.edu

*If you want to serve at a site/program that is not listed here, I am open to the possibility

 if we can determine its relevance to this class.

 

Requirements

1.     Go to http://www.kcc.hawaii.edu/object/servicelearning.html to do the online Service Learning Orientation. You may also choose to attend an information session on Sept. 9th, 12th, 13th, 15th and 17th (10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.) in Ho'okele (1st floor 'Iliahi).

2.     Complete your SL registration by 4:00 p.m. on Wenesday, September 22nd at 'Iliahi 129.

3.     You will substitute SL Journals for your Think/Writes (about 250-500 words in length; see Class Schedule for due dates).  Watch for the special SL Journal questions.

4.     In addition, if you choose this option you must submit a SL Reflection Essay (double-spaced, about 500-800 words in length) that will count as your full 20 extra credit points.  In this paper you will summarize what you learned and explain how the SL experience helped meet at least one of the course objectives/competencies listed on page one of this syllabus.  This should be a polished paper (i.e. well organized, clearly written, free of grammar and spelling errors).  Due:  Dec. 4th (submit two copies; one to the instructor via email attachment & one to the SL office via Laulima)

 

A Sampling of Service Learning

If you canÕt commit this semester to 20 hours of service at one site, but youÕd like to give Service Learning a try, you may participate in instructor-announced service opportunities throughout the semester.  The hope is that you will experience the benefits of SL and will consider a 20 hour commitment in a future semester.

Requirements

1.     You may choose to participate in whichever events fit your schedule:

a.     Waikalua Loko I`a Fishpond on Sat., Sept. 18th (8:00-12:00)

b.     Lo`i kalo (taro patch) at Ulupo Heiau on Sat., Oct. 9th (8:30-12:30)

c.     Other events that may be announced as opportunities present themselves.

2.     You will need to inform the instructor of your intent to participate by the deadline specified for the event.  This can be done in person or via email.

3.     You will have the option of answering Think/Write questions about your service experience. 

 

 

 

ADVICE FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEMESTER

 

Don't miss class.  It is not possible to pass this college course by merely showing up for the examinations.  As an instructor, I have frequently observed the direct correlation between class attendance and a student's final grade in this course.  To successfully pass this class you need to attend regularly. 

 

Be mindful of deadlines.  Do not procrastinate!  Students are responsible for knowing when papers are due.  Failure on the teacher's part to remind students when assignments are due, does not constitute a valid excuse.  It is your job to know.  A Class Schedule has been provided to assist you in your time management.  Do not miss the due dates for the writing assignments in this course, since it is nearly impossible to make up the points.  Only 20 extra credit points are allowed in this course, therefore it is not practical to think that you can make up the missed points with extra credit.  As your instructor, I can tell you that this strategy rarely works.

 

Complete the reading assignments before class.  This will help you understand the lectures and will enable you to participate in class discussions.  You may want to attend the Secrets of SuccessTextbook Reading Strategiesworkshop to learn how to be an active reader.

 

Take good notes.  While the instructor does provide lecture outlines on the web site and on powerpoints during lectures, students are responsible for all supporting information as well.  If you do not take additional notes based on what the teacher says, then you are not getting the most out of each lecture.  The key to easy studying is good note taking.  You may want to attend the Secrets of SuccessTaking Notes in Collegeworkshop to learn notetaking strategies.

  

Ask questions.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  All inquires will be welcomed by the instructor.  Please ask for clarification on information and assignments at the moment of confusion, even if it means "interrupting" the lectures.  Whenever youÕre confused, let the instructor know.  If you say nothing, I assume you understand the material. 

 

Talk to the instructor.  I am here to assist you.  Feel free to talk to me if you are having any difficulties in class.  Even if you are not having difficulties, you are invited to visit with me in my office.  Let's get to know each other.

           

Be considerate.  It is essential that you listen to what is being discussed in class.  Be considerate of the instructor and your peers by refraining from any unnecessary side conversations.  During class, please turn off your cellular phones or put them on vibrator to avoid any interruptions (you will forfeit two points if it rings during class).  Please make every attempt to be in class by the starting time.  If you are late, try to be as inconspicuous as possible when entering the classroom.  If, for some unavoidable reason, you need to leave class early, please inform the instructor at the start of class and sit near the door to make for an easier exit with minimal distraction. If leaving class early becomes habitual, the instructor reserves the right to deduct a point (i.e. treated like a tardy).

 

Don't cheat or plagiarize.  "Academic dishonesty cannot be condoned by the University.  Dishonesty includes cheating and plagiarism; it is a violation of the Student Conduct Code and may result in expulsion from the University" (http://kcc.hawaii.edu/page/policies#2).  Students should consult the Student Conduct Code for specific examples of cheating and plagiarism.

 

In all campus environments, Disruptive Behavior will not be tolerated. This means: any speech or action that (1) is disrespectful, offensive, and/or threatening; (2) interferes with the learning activities of other students; (3) impedes the delivery of college services; and/or (4) has a negative impact in any learning environment.  Please refer to the Student Conduct Code at for actions that the college may impose for such behavior.

 

In the event of the instructorÕs absence, college policy requires students to wait 15 minutes before leaving.


 

GRADE BREAKDOWN WORKSHEET

 

This sheet has been provided for your convenience.  Recording your points as you get the results can be very useful in determining your grade for this course.  You may ask the instructor about your grade at any time during the semester.  For individualized grade advising, please make an appointment. 

Last day to withdraw from class with a "W" is Tuesday, October 26, 2010.

 

ATTENDANCE (2 points each) **Attendance will not be taken on exam days.**

             
             
             
             


CLASS ASSIGNMENTS (90 points total)

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5
#6 #7 #8 #9 #10
#11 #12 #13 #14 #15

 

EXAMS

THINK/WRITES (or)

SL JOURNALS

(100 points each) (15 points each)
#1 #1
#2 #2
#3 #3
#4 #4


WRITING PROJECT (100 points total)

Part I (20 points)  
Part II (30 points)  
Part III (50 points)  

 

EXTRA CREDIT 20 maximum
(5 points each) description
#1  
#2  
#3  
#4  
Photo (5 bonus points)

GRADE SCALE

A = 630 - 700
B = 560 - 629
C = 490 - 559
D = 420 - 489
F = Below 420