Rosemary Bell, Professor
History 101AA, Western Civilization II
M/W 12:10-13:25 pm, Room 1-1107
Office Hours: MWF 11-12 pm and T/TH 12:30-1 pm
Email: bellro@smccd.edu
Voicemail: 650 738-4213
Website:http://www.smccd.net/accounts/bellro/

HISTORY 101, WESTERN CIVILIZATION II

Recommended: Eligibility for English 100, 105 or the equivalent. Transfer: UC; CSU (C2), CAN HIST 4. HISTORY 100 + History 101= CAN HIST SEQ A.

During the semester we will examine some of the cultural, political, and social ideas that has made Western Civilization a grand, but tragic drama. Grand, in that the West gave us the tools to think rationally, to comprehend physical nature and human culture, and to understand the concept of political liberty. Tragic, in that the West has been accused, and many times rightly so, of being imperialistic, exploitative and ethnocentric. 

Course Information

Required Reading

McKay, et al.  Western Society: A Brief History, Vol. II, From Absolutism to the Present.  Bedford/St. Martin's.  ISBN: 13-978-0-312-68301-6.  We may also use current internet resources.

Course Objectives:
I am aware that students sometimes feel overwhelmed by the vastness of the subject. We will make no attempt at a comprehensive examination of all the information; however, we will focus on the important aspects of the social life, political behavior and cross-cultural relationships of the people we meet. This course is not meant to be rote memorization, and students who actively engage the course material and assignments will not only be gaining knowledge, but will also be developing important skills. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course I hope you will be able to do the following:
1. Communicate effectively your ideas both orally and in writing.
2. Develop critical reading and interpretative skills.
3. Understand and apply definitions of words and strengthen your vocabulary.
4. Listen responsively and attempt to maintain a level of open mindedness.
5. Apply ideas and concepts from European history to present day events.

Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities include reading the required assignments before coming to class and being prepared for exams or written assignments. This means having a scantron/bluebook and pencil.  It also means being on time.
It is your responsibility to advise your instructor if there are problems with the course, or if you are experiencing other issues.  I can help.

It is your responsibility to track your progress. Keep all the papers I hand back for the entire semester.

If you miss a class it is your responsibility to get the notes and other information from a classmate.

Attendance:
I'd like to think that you would find the course interesting enough to warrant attendance.  It is important that you come to class. You will be allowed four absences, any over this number and I will deduct three points for each additional absence from your final grade. Chronic lateness will also be penalized by a deduction of five points at the end of the semester. I have the option of dropping you from the class for missing six or more classes, chronic lateness or poor academic performance. I will advise you via email if I intend to drop you from the course.

Please do not think you will pass this class if you just show up for exams.  Even if you do pass the exams, your attendance and participation counts in this class.

Exams:

There are numerous ways to assess your success in the class. First, is by class participation. Second, is by written assessments.  Keep up with the readings, come to class, ask for help and you shouldn't have any difficulty. Exams must be taken on the days assigned.

1. There will be no make-ups unless a doctor's note on official stationary is provided.  Make-ups will be on a designated date and time towards the end of the semester.  Format of the make-up exams will be at the discretion of the instructor.

Assignments:
You can earn a total of 400 pts. for this class.
The breakdown is as follows:
Four quizzes (30 pts. each) May be multiple-choice, fill-in, short essay writing, or crossword puzzles
One Map quiz (50 pts.)
Contemporary Europe watch (130 pts.) Format TBA
Final Exam - will be cumulative 100 pts.

Quiz dates as well as the format of the exam will be announced in advance.

NOTE: Once the semester officially ends I will grade you on all of the materials that are in my possession.
 
Grading Breakdown
400-365 =A
365-330 =B
330-295 =C
295-260 =D
below 260 =F

What constitutes a grade?

A - Mastery of the material, including an in-depth understanding of course material, a high level of analytical skills and rational thinking.  Offers insight into the topics, participates on a regular basis.  Has read material before coming to class. 

B - Solid understanding of course material; a good level of analytical skills.  Participates on a regular basis, has read material before coming to class.

C- Satisfactory understanding of course material, a cursory understanding of course, attendance is spotty, material turned in late or incomplete.

D - Limited understanding of course material, poor analytical skills with little, if any participation.  Poor attendance.

F- Lack of effort, simply put you're wasting your time.

Please:

1. Be ready, willing and able to go!
2. If you are going to be absent for more than one consecutive class, please email me. This is for your protection as well as mine.
3. If you need to leave early please let me know before class begins.
4. Do not give me elaborate excuses as to why you weren't in class or why you did not do the assignments. I'll respect you more if you tell me the truth.
5.Be courteous and respectful of others.

Students With Disabilities:
In coordination with the DSPS office, reasonable accommodation will be provided for eligible students with disabilities. If you do not yet have an accommodation letter, please contact the DSPS office and meet with an advisor. (650) 738-4280.

Basic Information:
1. Assignments are due at the BEGINNING of class. For each weekday an assignment is late I will deduct 10 pts.
2. There is no extra credit available; you already have enough to do.
3. If you are late to any exam you may take a make-up (see above), however, I ask that you not enter the classroom and disturb others.
4. If you simply stop attending class and do not withdraw through Admissions and Records you will receive an F grade.
5. Attendance will be taken daily.
6. Please turn off all electronic equipment before class begins. In case of emergency - and only in these cases - the cell phone may be placed in silent mode.  At no times are cell phones to be answered or used in class for any purposes.
7.  Use of computers for note taking is prohibited unless you have an authorized DSPS accommodation.
8. All submitted work must be typed (double-spaced) and stapled with your G# on it.  I will not accept papers with social security numbers on them.
9. Each student has the obligation to know and uphold the College Rules and Regulations. Students who engage in disruptive behavior, that is conduct that interferes with the instructional, administrative, or service functions of the course-can be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from the course and/or college. Specifically, cell phone interruptions, the use of iPods, habitual profanity or vulgarity and continued willful disobedience will result in disciplinary action.

Integrity:
I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of maintaining and respecting academic integrity. What we're talking about is cheating and plagiarism. Cheating is the act of obtaining academic work through the use of dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent acts. Plagiarism is taking someone else's work and passing it off as your own. I have "zero tolerance" for cheating and plagiarism. If I catch you plagiarizing (and believe me I will!), you will receive an F for the assignment.  A copy of the assignment in question will be forwarded to the Dean of Disciplinary Services. 

If you want to discuss this further please see me or check out page 24 in the Skyline College catalog.
 

My door is always open should you have questions, concerns or problems.

Reading Assignments:

During the semester we will examine some of the cultural, political, and social ideas that has made Western civilization a grand, but tragic drama. Grand, in that the West gave us the tools to think rationally, to comprehend physical nature and human culture, and to understand the concept of political liberty. Tragic, in that the West has been less successful at finding rational solutions to social ills and conflict between nations. As we travel the globe, we will focus primarily on the West, the area that is geographically confined to Western Europe. However, we will also be examining other cultures and civilizations that will help make our story more fascinating and enrich our understanding of who we are.

The book required for the course is History of Western Societies, Vol II, 8th Ed. by McKay, et al. You can find it in the bookstore.

Goals for the course
I am aware that students sometimes feel overwhelmed by the vastness of the subject. We will make no attempt at a comprehensive examination of all the information. This course is not meant to be rote memorization, and students who actively engage the course material and assignments will not only be gaining knowledge, but will also be developing important skills. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course I hope you will be able to do the following:

1. Communicate effectively your ideas both orally and in writing.
2. Develop critical reading and interpretative skills.
3. Understand and apply definitions of words and strengthen your vocabulary.
4. Listen responsively and attempt to maintain a level of open mindedness.
5. Apply ideas and concepts from world history to present day events.
 
 Responsibilities
Your responsibilities include reading the required assignments before coming to class and being prepared for exams or written assignments. This means having a scantron/bluebook and pencil.
 
Attendance
It is important that you come to class, however, attending class does not just mean keeping the seat warm.  I want to know your views and ideas and I will weigh your class participation, as well as attendance, at the end of the semester.  You will be allowed three absences, any over this number and I will deduct three points for each additional absence from your final grade. Chronic lateness will also be penalized by a deduction of ten points at the end of the semester. I also have the option of dropping you from the class for chronic absences and lateness or poor academic performance.

Exams
There will be a series of quizzes, map exercises, exams and class discussions. The quizzes may be unannounced. Keep up with the readings, come to class, ask for help and you shouldn't have any difficulty. Exams must be taken on the days assigned. There will be no make-ups unless a doctor's note on official stationary is provided. Make-ups must be taken within four calendar days from the time of the exam date.  After that-forget it.  Format of the make-up exams will be at the discretion of the instructor.
 
Assignments
You can earn a total of 400 pts. for this class. The breakdown is as follows:
2 quizzes (50 pts. each) May be multiple-choice, short essay writing, or crossword. May be unannounced
1 Map quiz (50 pts.)
2 Contemporary Issues assignments/report - 50 pts. each
1 reflection paper- 50 pts.
Final Exam - will be cumulative 100 pts.

NOTE: Once the semester is officially over I will grade you on the materials that are in my possession.
 
Grading Breakdown
400-365 =A
365-330 =B
330-295 =C
295-260 =D
below 260 =F
 
 Please:
1. No sleeping
2. No pagers
3. No cellphones
4. If you are going to be absent for more than one consecutive class, please call me. This is for your protection as well as mine.
5. If you need to leave early please let me know before class begins.
6. Please do not give me elaborate excuses as to why you weren't in class or why you did not do the assignments. I'll respect you more if you tell me the truth.
7. Please be courteous and respectful of others.
 

Students With Disabilities
If you have a disability and require accommodations, please advise me during the first week of class. To be provided with the appropriate accommodations, you will need to obtain a signed form from the Disabled Students Programs and Services (650-738-4280).

Basic Information
1. Assignments are due at the BEGINNING of class. For each weekday an assignment is late I will deduct 10 pts.
2. If you are late to any exam I am willing to give you a makeup (see above), however, I ask that you not enter the classroom and disturb others.
3. If you simply stop attending class and do not withdraw through Admissions and Records you will receive an F grade.
4. Attendance will be taken daily.
5. Please turn off all pagers and cell phones before class begins. In case of emergency - and only in these cases - the cell phone may be placed in silent mode.  At no times are cell phones to be answered or used in class for any purposes.
6. All submitted work must be typed (double-spaced) and stapled with your G# on it.  I will not accept papers with social security numbers or names on them.

Integrity
I can not emphasize strongly enough the importance of maintaining and respecting academic integrity. What we're talking about is cheating and plagiarism. Cheating is the act of obtaining academic work through the use of dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent acts. Plagiarism is taking someone else's work and passing it off as your own. I have "zero tolerance" for cheating and plagiarism. If I catch you plagiarizing (and believe me I will!), you will receive an F for the course. If you want to discuss this further please see me or check out page 24 in the Skyline College catalog.
 
My door is always open should you have questions,concerns or problems.