WORLD CIVILIZATION II
Georgia Southwestern State University
Spring 2012
Instructor: Dr. Paula J. Martin
Office: BH 325
Email: martin@canes.gsw.edu
Office Phone: 229-931-2624
Course Objectives - This course is designed to give the undergraduate student a general understanding of those major cultural, political, scientific, social, and intellectual trends which have appeared in the world from c.1500 to the present. This course will focus on the major civilized traditions of the world. Specific topics have been emphasized and interwoven throughout this course in an attempt to chart the progress of not only different societies as a whole, but the individual as well. For example, the study of intellectual currents will be a primary focus in our efforts to understand what people from different civilizations thought about God, society, science, and human nature from a philosophical standpoint. Therefore, this class will run chronological when possible, but it will also run thematic as specific focus is given to the changing mentalities of the human race. The course's potential for the student, lies in the hope of instilling the skills and values of world citizenship and for relating to people different from oneself.
Course Requirements - Completion of your exams on time is required. Any involvement in cheating or plagiarism of any sort will result in an “F” as the final grade for this course as well as referral to appropriate disciplinary boards. All reading for each week is to be completed prior to class on Tuesday. You must receive a passing grade on at least 2 of your 4 exams (regardless of your final score) to pass this course.
Attendance - Lecture attendance is strongly encouraged but not required. Please keep in mind that there is a strong correlation between class attendance and overall performance. Do not rely on others to take your notes for you so you can miss class. This rarely works to a student’s advantage as it is extremely difficult to comprehend lectures you do not personally attend. Come to class!
Cell-phones, beepers, and assorted electronic devices - Turn off your cell-phones, beepers, and other such devices, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF heart or insulin monitors. Unless you are a doctor, nurse, EMT, or a parent with a sick child, there is nothing which cannot wait until the class is over. If you fall into one of the above categories, let me know now. I reserve the right to answer ringing cell phones.
Classroom Environment – This is NOT high school. Talking to your classmates or others outside the context of classroom activities is rude and will not be tolerated. If you insist on talking while I am lecturing I will exercise my option of having you dropped from my class. Reading outside materials, listening to music, texting and similar non-class related activities are equally unacceptable. Please arrive on time for class. Once you arrive in class you will remain in the class until dismissed at the end of class. Your classroom etiquette will in part determine your participation grade. I expect all students to be respectful of one another's right to speak and express opinions during class discussions. Disagreements and different viewpoints are welcome.
Examinations - A four week, eight week, twelve week, and a final exam will be given in this course. Examinations will be objective in style; however, your final exam will also include a comprehensive essay question. All of your exams will require that you have a clear grasp of both the lecture material and the reading assignments. You are responsible for both. Pay careful attention to test dates! No make-up will be given without a serious medical excuse (feel free to read into this pleasant phrases such as: “grave bodily injury,” “emergency room,” “terminal condition,” if this helps for understanding). If you have a university sanctioned event on the day of an exam please notify me in advance so that you can take the exam early.
Required Texts – Reilly, Kevin. Worlds of History: A Comparative Reader Vol. II (4th ed., 2010). ISBN: 13 - 978-0-312-44686-4 Darwin, Charles. The Origin of Species W.W. Norton ISBN: 0-393-97867-2 Shelly, Mary Frankenstein (latest edition)
Email – Because your GSW email account is the official method of communication between you and the university it is crucial that you check your accounts frequently.
Disability Policy – The History Department is committed to equal opportunity in education for all students, including those with documented physical disabilities or documented learning disabilities. University policy states that it is the responsibility of students with documented disabilities to notify me within the first two weeks of each semester to discuss appropriate accommodations or modifications to ensure equity in grading, classroom experiences and outside assignments. If the student has not already done so, he or she must contact the Student Services Center located in room 304 of Sanford Hall. The phone number 229-931-2294
Grading -Your final grade will be determined by the following schedule:
1st Exam 20% 2nd Exam 20% 3rd Exam 20% Final 30% Participation 10%
Office Hours
Tuesday and Thursday 10:00-11:00 am; Monday and Wednesday: 11:00-12:30
Friday by Appt. I encourage you to make every effort to come and discuss your work with me. If you do not understand any feedback I write on your papers or exams please do not hesitate to make an appointment.
Lecture and Assignment Schedule*
SECTION ONE
Week I Introduction: The World in 1500 1492 and the Voyages of Discovery Readings: Worlds of History pp. 547-594 “Guidelines for Reading a Primary Source” (Handout)
Week II European State Building Constitutionalism and Absolutism Readings: Jean Domat: “On Social Order and Absolute Monarchy” http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1687domat.asp John Evelyn: “On Restoration and Revolution” http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/17evelyn.asp
Week III Scientific Revolution Readings: http://www.bartleby.com/39/12.html Worlds of History pp. 710-721
Week IV Finish Scientific Revolution Catch up and Review Exam I (Thursday, February 2nd)
SECTION TWO
Week V The Search for a Method Francis Bacon, Rene Descartes, and Daniel Bernoulli Readings: Bacon: Novum Organum, Preface http://history.hanover.edu/texts/Bacon/novorg.html#preface
Week VI Enlightenment: Criticism, and Freedom Readings: Worlds of History 752-759
Week VII The French Revolution Readings: Worlds of History pp. 766-784 Abbé Sieyes: “What is the Third Estate?” http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/sieyes.asp
Week VIII Finish French Revolution Review and Exam
No Class, Thursday, March 1st (Conference) Exam II (Tuesday, March 6th)
SECTION THREE
Week IX Industrial Prosperity and the Rise of Modernity Medicine and the Body Readings: Frankenstein (All)
Week X 19th Century Naturalism Readings: The Origins of Species (all)
Spring Break March 19th – 24th
Week XI Political Ideology and Colonialism Readings: Worlds of History pp. 826-867
Week XII Finish Colonialism and Section Review
Exam III (Thursday, April 5th)
SECTION FOUR
Week XIII World War I Readings: Mussolini What is Fascism 1932 http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/mussolini-fascism.html Worlds of History pp. 903-941
Week XIV World War II Readings: Worlds of History pp. 942-980
Week XV Surfacing from the Wreckage: The Cold War The Authority of Science What about the Future? Readings: Donna Haraway: “A Cyborg Manifesto” (Handout)
Final Check University Finals Schedule in RAIN
* Please note that the lecture schedule is not set in stone and may be modified as needed. 