Hist 1110 (Intro to World History) - Kennesaw State University

History 1110/02 – Introduction to World
History
Syllabus Summer, 2009
MWTTH 11:00 AM-1:45 PM SO 2034
Tel. 770-423-6294
Dr. Gerrit Voogt
Office: SO 4106
Office Hours: MWTTH 3:30-4:45PM, or
by appointment
Contact: by Vistamail
Required text: Duiker & Spielvogel, The Essential World History (hereafter
indicated as TEXT)
I. Course Objectives:
The aim of this course is to study the course of world history and the various
civilizations that emerged between the beginnings of humankind and now. The
student should become familiar with some of the major contributions of these
civilizations and their interrelationships. A course with so much ground to cover has
to be selective. Therefore a number of significant themes will be highlighted.
To gain insight into the past it is necessary to have a basic knowledge and
awareness of historical facts and developments and how they interrelate. One must
have an understanding of cause and effect, continuity and change, the interplay of
social, economic, political, and cultural factors. Geographical knowledge is also an
indispensable part of the historian's skills. However, all these things are like the
pieces of a puzzle that remain meaningless fragments until you see them put
together and form a pattern. This course strives to help you see such patterns and
such meaning in past developments and thus help you orient yourself in today's
fast-changing world.
My lectures will generally take the TEXT as their point of departure and frame of
reference and point out crucial elements in the story. However, not all the assigned
chapters will be (fully) covered in lectures. It is the student's responsibility to stay
abreast of the reading assignments (see III). This will also help you understand the
lectures, ask pertinent questions, engage in meaningful discussions on the material,
and avoid taking unnecessary notes.
II. Requirements and Policies:
‣ The material has been divided into three units (two tests and the Final
Exam). The tests comprise an objective and a written portion (an essay).
There is one outside essay requirement.
‣ The handouts for this class will be available through WebCT –it is the
student’s responsibility to print these materials and bring them to class, and
to consult the WebCT calendar for each class session, check the mail, etc.
‣ Unexcused absences from exams will result in a zero grade. If you think you
have a valid reason for your absence (such as a medical emergency), contact
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me before or on the day of the test, and submit proper documentation;
excuses after the test date will not be accepted.
‣ Arrive promptly; if you have to leave early, tell the instructor at the
beginning of class. CELL PHONES MUST BE TURNED OFF DURING CLASS.
Don’t annoy the class and embarrass yourself!
‣ Academic integrity: Every KSU-student is responsible for upholding the
provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, as published in the
Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. Section II of the Student Code of
Conduct addresses the University’s policy on academic honesty, including
provisions regarding plagiarism and cheating, unauthorized access to
University materials, misrepresentation/ falsification of University records or
academic work, malicious removal, retention, or destruction of library
materials, malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities and/or services,
and misuse of student identification cards. Incidents of alleged academic
misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of the
University Judiciary Program, which includes either an “informal” resolution
by a faculty member, resulting in a grade adjustment, or a formal hearing
procedure, which may subject a student to the Code of Conduct’s minimum
one semester suspension requirement.
‣ Grading is as follows: Test 1 =20%
Test 2 =20%
Essay =20%
Final =30%
Participation =10%
‣ The participation grade is based on class attendance and preparedness (as
established through the occasional impromptu quizzes on the readings).
‣ Thursday, June 11, is the last day you can withdraw from this course and still
receive a "W". You must officially withdraw at the Registrar's.
III. Course Outline and Reading Assignments:
Attn.: These dates are tentative; they are meant to help you structure
your reading and prepare for class. The student is expected to keep up
with possible changes announced during class, via WebCT, or in the Study
Guides.
COURSE OUTLINE:
TH May 28 Introduction; river valley civilizations; India: caste and spirituality;
TEXT chs. 1 & 2 (pp. 4-50)
M June 1 China: genesis of a Confucian state TEXT ch. 3 (pp. 51-73)
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T June 2 Greco-Roman civilization TEXT chs. 4 & 5 (pp. 74-121)
W June 3 Rise of the ummah: Islam; Review for Test 1 TEXT ch. 7 (pp. 145-
168)
TH June 4
M June 8
TEST 1; The Pre-Columbian Americas
Tang and Sung China; Medieval Europe; the Mongol Onslaught
TEXT chs. 10 and 12 (pp. 215-237; 259-262)
T June 9 High Middle Ages and Renaissance in Europe; Global Balance c.
1500; European Explorations and Expansion TEXT chs. 12 and 13
(pp. 263-310)
W June 10 The Realm of Islam Ch. 15 (pp. 333-354)
TH June 11 East Asia; Japan opened and closed; review for test 2 TEXT Ch. 16
(pp. 355-373) [Last day to withdraw w/o academic penalty]
M June 15
T June 16
W June 17
TH June 18
TEST 2; Europe: Reformation and Enlightenment
The Dual Revolution in Europe; Nationalism and the nation state
(19 th century) TEXT chs. 14 & 17 (pp. 311-328; 377-400)
Africa and the New Imperialism; China and Japan: Different
responses to New Imperialism TEXT chs. 20 and 21 (pp. 446-489)
Global Imbalance c. 1900; World War and Russian Revolution TEXT
ch. 22 (pp. 490-505)
M June 22 Interbellum Years and another World War TEXT ch. 22 (pp. 505-
511); ch. 24 (pp. 535-559)
T June 23 After 1945; Decolonization and a Cold War TEXT Ch. 23 (pp. 512-
520); chs. 25 and 26 (pp. 562-592)
W June 24
Arab-Israeli Conflict; 9/11 and after; Conclusions. Review for Final.
TH June 25
FINAL EXAM 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
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