Master Syllabus
History 2311
Western Civilization to 1660
The purpose of the History Department is threefold. First we provide excellent instruction in the discipline of history. Second, we provide each student with six semester hours of U.S. History instruction to meet the requirements of the Texas Education Code (51.303). Third, we provide history majors with fifteen semester hours of history instruction to prepare them to successfully pursue a bachelor’s or higher degree in history at a four-year college or university.
Course Description: Studies the development of ancient, medieval and early modern civilizations of Europe to 1660.
SCANS Competencies: None required, but students will need good reading, writing and study skills to succeed in this course. Students will be expected to read about 450 pages of textbook, and, depending on the individual instructor, may be obliged to read an outside book and/or do a research paper. Students will have to write essays, book reports, and/or research papers and will be expected to observe decent English grammar and spelling rules. Although students will be told when tests will take place and be given detailed learning objectives to facilitate study, students will be expected to study information in detail to prepare for the tests.
Instructional Methodology: Depends on which instructor and format the student is taking.
Course Rationale: Students taking History 2311 can expect to improve their reading and writing competencies, critical thinking skills, research skills, etc., all of which help students better succeed in life outside academia. This course is required of Austin Community college history majors and is frequently a requirement in history departments elsewhere.
Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes: upon completion of the A.A. degree in History students will be able to:
1. Use critical thinking in the analysis of historical facts
2. Demonstrate civic awareness in the appraisal of historical contexts
3. Demonstrate cultural awareness in the assessment of historical situations
Course-Level Student Learning Outcomes: upon completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Use critical thinking in the analysis of historical facts
2. Demonstrate civic awareness in the appraisal of historical contexts
3. Demonstrate cultural awareness in the assessment of historical situations
Common Course Objectives: After completing HIST 2311 (Western Civilization I) students should be able to:
1. Understand the role of empire building in the Near East with especial emphasis on Egypt and Mesopotamia.
2. Understand the background for the rise of Greek civilization, the Greek contribution to literature and philosophy, and the extension of Greek civilization under Alexander.
3. Discuss the rise and fall of Roman culture, with special emphasis on the late Republican and early empire periods, the significance of Roman Law, and the social realities for all classes and genders.
4. Discuss how Europe was cut off from the cultures of the ancient world through the rise of Byzantium and Islam, the consequences of this, and how a distinct European culture developed in the medieval period.
5. Discuss religious and philosophical developments of the medieval period, as well as to be familiar with cultural and societal changes.
6. Understand the development of feudalism and chivalry in the High Middle Ages, and how this culture was affected by the Black Death and Hundred Years War.
7. Describe the economic revival of the late Middle Ages and how this development impacted European society.
8. Discuss the development and significance of the crusades and cathedral building boom.
9. Describe the development of nation states in Europe in the late Medieval period.
10. Identify the main characteristics of Renaissance thought, where the Renaissance began and why, and be able to distinguish between the Northern and Southern Renaissance.
11. Identify the major Renaissance artists and authors, and explain their significance.
12. Describe the theology of Luther and compare it to that of Calvin.
13. Identify problems within the Catholic Church, and what the church did to reform itself, with special emphasis on the Catholic Reformation and baroque style.
14. Understand why overseas expansion began, how it affected both European and colonial societies, and what resulted from it.
15. Describe how Charles V and Philip II attempted to carry out their new vision for a united Catholic Europe, what resulted and why they failed.
16. Discuss the wars of religion in Europe, especially the French civil war and the 30 Years War.
17. Describe the development of the commercial revolution, and how changes in agricultural techniques, New World foods, and the domestic system prepared the way for the industrial revolution.
Grading System: Depends on the individual instructor.
Course Policies: Policies on attendance, withdrawals, incompletes, student discipline, and academic freedom vary by instructor. However, the entire department adheres to the following statements on scholastic dishonesty and students with disabilities.
Attendance/Class Participation:
Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.
Withdrawal Policy:
It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should s/he decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should s/he feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw s/he should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. Students are also strongly encouraged to retain a copy of the withdrawal form for their records.
College & State Withdrawal Policies:
Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course.
State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities without penalty. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count toward this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.
Incompletes:
An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student is unable to complete all the requirements for the course. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.
Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty:
A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution. Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents. Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college. See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow
Student Rights and Responsibilities:
Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.
Statement on Students with Disabilities:
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD). Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.
Students who have received approval for accommodations from OSD for this course must provide the instructor with the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from OSD before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.
Additional information about OSD is available at Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
Safety Statement:
Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and to agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.
Use of ACC email:
All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail .
Please note that students are expected to conduct themselves professionally, with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s class activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.
Testing Center Policy:
Under certain circumstances, an instructor may have students take an examination in a testing center. Students using the Academic Testing Center must govern themselves according to the Student Guide for Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire guide before going to take the exam. To request an exam, one must have:
- ACC Photo ID
- Course Abbreviation (e.g., ENGL)
- Course Number (e.g.,1301)
- Course Synonym (e.g., 10123)
- Course Section (e.g., 005)
- Instructor’s Name
Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center. Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester. ACC Testing Center policies can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/
Student and Instructional Services
ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Information on these services and support systems is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/s4/
Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/current/
ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored. The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at:
Learning Lab Services
For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.