- Included in your class participation grade, may be class quizzes or homework. Quizzes/homework will be administered at any given time throughout the course. They will usually cover assigned readings and assignments. You will have 5 to 10 minutes to complete the quiz and turn in for a grade. If you arrive after a quiz or leave before a quiz, there are no make-ups. If you arrive late and a quiz is already in progress, you will only have the remaining time to complete it. You will be allowed to drop your lowest quiz
Discussion Groups/Assignments: (15%) Each student will be assigned a discussion group. Discussion groups will meet each to discuss the people, events, themes, and readings of the week to connect it to a current event article. Each group will produce a one-page document summarizing their collective findings or other final product listed in instructions.
Historical Analysis Assignments: (10% each; 4 total) The purpose of these assignments is to help you better engage you with your sources and aid in studying. All assignments are 1-2 pages and must include at least one primary source and one secondary source. ALL SOURCES MUST BE CITED.
- Assignment #1 (pick one): How do historians study, divide up, and evaluate the past? OR Define culture as you understand it then answer – How did Ancient Greek culture differ (or was the same) from Mesopotamian and Egyptian culture? (due 9 April)
- Assignment #2 (pick one): How can Muhammad be described as both a prophet and a statesman? OR What were the direct contributions of Islam, Islamic scholarship, and Islamic society to Christian Europe and how did these contributions effect society? OR Compare and contrast Islam to either Judaism or Christianity. What are the major similarities in belief and practice? What are the differences? (due 16 April)
- Assignment #3 (pick one): How does the ethos of crusade imbue the political and religious movements of the High Middle Ages? OR Explain the structure of medieval society and its economy? OR How did the introduction of artillery and firearms aid in the consolidation of national monarchies?
(due 23 April) - Assignment #4 (pick one): “The Renaissance marked a new era in thought and feelings by which Europe and its institutions were transformed.” Discuss the validity of this statement OR How did the Renaissance promote the West’s transition into modernity? OR How do you think ordinary people experienced the Renaissance? Consider, for example, the experiences of Jews, women, and poor people. (due 30 April)
Final Project: (25%) Each student is required to produce a course project.
- This project requires you to demonstrate your knowledge of Western Civilization from the Pre-Classical Period to the Middle of the Early Modern Period. You will need to recall information, summarize, and draw conclusions on what you believe to be the most important events during this time period.
- Your project will consist of three parts: a timeline, paragraphs for each events, and a paragraph explaining what you believe to be the most significant event in Western Civilization. The project spans the length of the Western Civilization that we address this semester (Pre-Classical to the middle of the Early Modern Period). You may focus on any events, people, places, or eras from this time in History. Be sure to read all the instructions (located under the Final project portion of our website) and include all parts of the project.
Extra Credit Opportunity (up to 5% of your final grade): There is an opportunity to earn extra credit in this course. This opportunity is worth up to 5% of your final grade.
- What did I miss? Western Civilization covers a large time period and is, essentially, the history of everything and, therefore, large chunks must be left out. After the majority of the semester has passed, students will research an event, location, or person who they believe should have been included. They will submit a PowerPoint or Prezi presentation with a critical analysis, using the skills developed during class. Submissions for this project will only be accepted between 28 November and the final exam period.
- The critical analysis portion of your presentation will provide historical context and must cover the basics of historical inquiry: who, what, when, and where – which means you must include at least 2 primary sources and 1 secondary source.
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Paper Format Work should be double-spaced with one-inch margins on all sides. Use a 12-point Font in Times Roman. Center the title of the work, then double space and begin with the paper text. Follow standard rules for grammar.
Though we are learning to write like Historians, I am not requiring you to learn the Chicago Citation Style. If you choose to experiment with Chicago Style, I will not count down for errors. Please see the Chicago Manual of Style for more information.
If you are not using Chicago, all papers must be formatted using MLA. Please review the MLA Guide for information about quoting references and adding a Works Cited page on a separate sheet at the end of your paper to list source information. I will grade for correct use of style, if you choose to use MLA.
For each full page of text, your last name, and the page number should go in an upper right corner header. Example: Last Name – 2.
Grading Standards
C is the average expected performance of a college student. To receive a C you must complete all readings and assignments on time, demonstrate a basic knowledge of the material and write clearly and competently (all assignments must be well organized and follow the rules of correct spelling and grammar). To receive a B your work must be substantially better than average. To receive an A your work must be truly exceptional, NOT given for simply following directions.
Grades will be calculated as follows:
| A = 100% to 93%, or 4.00 | B- = 82% to 80%, or 2.67 | D = 60% to 66%, or 1.0 |
| A- = 92% to 90%, or 3.67 | C+ = 79% to 77%, or 2.33 | F = below 60% |
| B+ = 89% to 87%, or 3.33 | C = 76% to 72%, or 2.00 | and receives no credit |
| B = 86% to 83%, or 3.00 | C- = 72% to 70%, or 1.67 |
Please note that to receive a passing grade for this course, all work must be completed and handed in. If you fail to turn in papers or projects, do not complete an assignment, or do not participate in class (in some manner)*, you will not receive a passing grade no matter what your other grades have been throughout the course.
* I understand that some of us are shy. If you are uncomfortable in speaking in class or in your discussion group, please make an effort to contact me through office hours to ensure your participation grade stays at a passing level.
