SALEM STATE COLLEGE- DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY

History of World Civilizations II- Spring 2000

HIS 101-08 (MWF 12:30)SB 301

Professor Emerson W. BakerOffice Hours:M 3:30-4:30

Office: Sullivan 106aWF 11:30-12:30

Phone:741-6384 (office) Or by appointment- please feel free to contact me at any time

Email:ebaker@nh.ultranet.com

Introduction

This course introduces you to the major themes of the world's civilizations from from the Age of Discovery to present times. Designed for the non-specialist, the course will let you examine the world's rich and diverse past from an historian's perspective, and help you relate the past to modern life.The world has seen many changes in the modern era, so the course will not be able to cover everything in detail! With so much ground to cover, often the lecture material will be quite different than the reading, so pay close attention in class! Though the class is primarily in lecture format, I encourage you to ask questions about the lectures and readings as they arise.

Course Objectives

Content Objectives - After completing this course, you should understand and be able to comment accurately on the following themes:

1.The roots of the modern world. How the events of the past four hundred years have

shaped present-day America and the world.

2.The expansion of Western Civilization, and its interaction with the rest of the world.

3.The importance of non-Western traditions in shaping the modern world.

4.The life and importance of the common people of the past - not just the "DWEMs."

Skills Objectives -Like all disciplines, History lets you build skills that you will need in life, regardless of your chosen career. In this course you will have the opportunity todevelop the following in particular:

1.Improve your ability to read and comprehend your reading

2.Effective verbaland written communication

3.Healthy skepticism and the ability to examine evidence

Course Grade

First Preliminary Exam 25% (February 23)

Second Preliminary Exam 25% (April 3 )

Written Assignment 20% (April 21)

Final Exam 30% (date to be announced) 

Attendance, participation, and progress may also figure into the final grade.

Required Reading

Required Reading (available at college bookstore):

Richard Bulliet et al, The Earth and Its Peoples: A Global History, Vol. II

Course Requirements and Responsibilities

1. Two preliminary examinations.I tend to stress materials covered in my lectures in the exams, but you are expected to have a firm grip on all the reading. The exams will be a consist of several parts: multiple choice questions, identifications (telling who, what when where, why, and how, and placing the identification in its historical context) and short essay questions. Usually you have some limited choice in answering identifications and essays For example: answer 5 out of 7 identifications, and write 1 out of 2 essays.You will have all class period to take these exams.

2. A final examination. The final covers material from the entire semester, but will be weighted toward materials covered after the second exam. You will have two hours to take the final exam.

3. A written assignment of approximately 5 to 7 pages in length. This assignment provides you the opportunity to interpret primary historical sources, and discuss your interpretation in a thoughtful and well written essay. Papers must be typed (or word processed) and double spaced on standard 8.5"x11" paper. Papers not handed in during class on April 21are considered late, and will be severely marked down.The later they are handed in, the more they will be marked down.

4. Attendance. You are not absolutely required to attend class, however I do usually take attendance and failure to come may well adversely effect your grade. If, at the end of the semester your average is on the border between two grades, a poor attendance record will probably get you the lower grade. Also, the lectures will be drawn upon quite heavily when I make the exams, so it is to your benefit to attend. If you can't make it, I advise you to get a copy of a classmate's class notes. Whether you are here or not, you will be held responsible for all course requirements, and for keeping up with what goes on in the course.

I do not give make up exams. Being able to meet deadlines and deal effectively with pressure situations while still facing the challenges of everyday living is part of what college is all about. If you are genuinely deathly ill, I might make an exception.

Preparation. Come to classes prepared to listen, learn, and contribute to the topic at hand. Occasionally I will ask the class questions about the reading, to stimulate a brief class discussion. As with attendance, class participation may play a small role in your final grade, so I advise you to complete the assigned reading by its due date.I also welcome your questions on any aspect of the course, at any time.Your tuition for this course represents a substantial investment. I urge you to get your money's worth!



Salem State College is committed to nondiscrimination of Handicapped persons as specified in section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students who qualify as handicapped persons under the definition of this act should notify the instructor at the beginning of course so that reasonable modifications may be made when necessary.

Course outline – subject to change. It is your responsibility to be aware of changes in schedule. Readings should be completed by the date listed.

Jan. 21Introduction to the Course

Jan. 24The Age of Discovery and ExpansionRead: Chapter 17

Jan. 26Europe: AbsolutismRead: Chapter 18

Jan. 28No Class: Professor at Conference

Jan. 31Europe: Constitutionalism

Feb.2Europe: Science & the Enlightenment

Feb.4European Society in the Early Modern EraRead: Chapter 19

Feb.7Columbian Exchange & Mercantilism

Feb.9 Africa and the Slave TradeRead: Chapter 20

Feb.11The Ottoman EmpireRead: Chapter 21

Feb.14The Mughal Dynasty

Feb.16The Ming and Qing Dynasties of ChinaRead: Chapter 22

Feb.18Early Modern Japan

Feb.21President’s Day, No Class

Feb.23FIRST EXAM

Feb.25The Industrial RevolutionRead: Chapter 23

Feb.28The Industrial Revolution continued

Mar. 1The Age of RevolutionRead: Chapter 24

Mar.3The Age of Revolution, continued

Mar. 6The Age of Revolution, completed

Mar. 8The Americas in the Nineteenth CenturyRead: Chapter 25

Mar.10The British Empire and IndiaRead: Chapter 26

March 13-17, Spring Break

Mar.20An Open Door in East Asia?Read: Chapter 27

Mar.22Industrial SocietyRead: Chapter 28

Mar.24The Rise of Nationalism

Mar.27Nationalism, continued

Mar.29The New ImperialismRead: Chapter 29

Mar.31The New Imperialism, continued

Apr. 3SECOND EXAM

Apr. 5A War to End all WarsRead: Chapter 30

Apr. 7The Russian Revolution

Apr.10A Peace to End all Peace

Apr.12Depression & FascismRead: Chapter 31

Apr 14Dictators in Power

Apr.17Patriot’s Day, No Class

Apr.19World War II

Apr.21World War II pt. 2Documentary Assignment Due in Class!!

Apr.24Independence & DecolonizationRead: Chapter 32

Apr.26Cold War and the American CenturyRead: Chapter 33

Apr.28The Wild 1960s

May 1Modern TimesRead: Chapter 34

May 3Review Day (Schedule Permitting)

FINAL: Tuesday May 9, 8:30-10:30
 



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