DUIKER. Essential World History, Vol. I, Edition 6, ISBN 0-495-90291-8
[Look carefully for the word "essential" in the title--there is another Duiker world history textbook also on sale.]
Students will read the textbook and a few supplementary readings, take quizzes and exams, visit the Carlos museum (optionally) , and carry out a research exercise. Lectures will survey some aspects of the history of complex societies from the time of the development of writing (about 5000 BCE) up to about 1500 CE. We will begin with Asia, then look at the ancient Middle East, Egypt and other African states, the classical world of Greece and Rome, the successors to the Roman Empire (The Byzantine Empire, Classical Islam, and the Carolingian Empire), and medieval Europe.
Lectures are not directly based on the textbook.
Although I will try to assign readings that are close to the lecture topics, the question, "What chapter are we on?" has no relevance to my class. The books have a lot of useful information and so have I. A good deal of this will overlap, but not all. Learn as much as you can from all sources, for the best possible outcome.
This course involves work you will do independently, as well as classroom activity. (The rule of thumb for college courses is at least two hours of independent study for every hour of lecture.) You should use your textbook in doing independent study, in order to supplement and reinforce the material presented in the lecture. The lectures and text will often deal with the same material, but not always. Reading textbook material shortly before or after the related lecture will improve your grasp of the information you are expected to understand. Consult the PDF "Syllabus" chart that relates lecture topics to portions of the textbook for more guidance. Both lecture and book need your attention.
Quizzes will deal with the most recent readings and lectures
The course proceeds on the assumption that students do not need to have the textbook explained to them in detail, but when questions arise they will receive respectful attention.
As a result of this course, students should become familiar with important aspects of the development of complex societies (civilization) from the beginning of written history to about 1500CE. Comparisons of and interrelations among these cultures will receive attention, as will major philosophical or religious concepts, various methods of government, aspects of some economic systems, social or cultural values, warfare, and the lives of some notable individuals. In addition, development and use of map literacy, composition skills, and logical thought will be encouraged.
This course makes extensive use of Georgia View for exams and submitting assignments. You must have regular access to a computer to complete this course.
You will use GaVIEW for a variety of tasks: reading quizzes, turning in homework, keeping track of grades, finding deadlines for assignments, communicating. If you are on the course roll, you should already have a GaVIEW account for this course, which will be available when school starts.. If you do not have access to GaVIEW after the semester begins, let me know right away.
Link: Georgia View login page
Your course grade will be based on the following work. Deadlines will be found in Georgia View. Follow links for more details.
|
Assignment |
Value |
Comment |
|
Topic quizzes |
25% |
Frequently offered quizzes (on Georgia View) will accumulate points throughout the semester. The percentage of correct answers will equal 25% of the total course grade. Take at home. May include a visit to the Carlos Museum on the Emory Campus in Atlanta. |
|
Midterm exam |
25% |
Various types of question, administered in class using Georgia View. |
|
Final Exam |
25% |
|
|
Research topic |
5% |
Research project using internet sources. Details in Georgia View and in class. |
|
Research paper |
20% |
