Syllabus
 
 
History 1 - Fall 2001
M/F 9:35a.m. - 11 a.m
B.R. Stites, Instructor
(323)953-4460, or
brstites@pacbell.net
 
Course Description
 
I. Purpose
    History I examines the Western tradition - those unique patterns of thought and systems of values that constitute the Western heritage. We will focus on the key ideas and broad themes, and try to provide a balance between the economic, political and social realities of human existence and thought from our earliest beginnings to the Reformation. Though our reading, videos, and class discussions, we will gain insight into the evolution of contemporary human reason and modern concepts of freedom.
 
II. Required Reading
    The required texts for this course are the following : Western Civilization - Ideas, Politics & Society, Vol. I: to 1789, 6th Edition, by Perry, Marvin, and Social History of Western Civilization, Vol. I, 4th Edition, by Golden, Richard. There may also be handouts from time to time. These are also part of your required reading, and will be provided by the instructor.
 
Reading assignments must be completed by the week assigned.
 
III. Examinations
    There will be two (2) quizzes, a midterm, and a final exam. The two quizzes (True/False & Multiple choice) are tentatively scheduled for sometime during the third and tenth weeks, and require scantrons. A midterm, consisting of both short answer and essay questions, will be given around the seventh (7th) week of class. The final exam will be given during final exam week, and will be an essay exam. All questions will be drawn from the texts, handouts, classroom discussions, and lectures. BLUE BOOKS ARE REQUIRED FOR BOTH THE MIDTERM AND THE FINAL EXAMS.
 
    All quizzes and examinations must be taken on their announced dates. There will be no make-up exams. Tests will not be cumulative, although they will require an understanding of material previously covered in class. Quizzes will consist of True-False and multiple choice questions for which students will need scantrons.
 
IV. Attendance
    Students are expected to attend and be on time for all class meetings. Missing class will affect your semester grade. All students who have three unexcused absences will be dropped, no exceptions. More than three tardies will constitute one unexcused absence. There are several group activities planned, and each studentis expected to participate.
 
V. Term Paper
    Each student is required to write a 7-10 page paper based on themes raised in Golden and your test. More information with respect to these papers will be provided to you by the instructor. PAPERS ARE DUE IN CLAS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2001. Late papers will lose one-half grade for each class session missed past the due date.
 
VI. Grading Policy
    Semester grades will be based on a total of the following:
 
             2 quizzes - 20% (10% each) (25 points each quiz)
             Midterm  - 20% (50 points)
             Term Paper - 30% (75 points)
             Final Exam  - 30% (75 points)
             Total points possible: 250

    There will be handouts to supplement the material in the text. You are responsible for this material as well. Also, there will be class discussions based on these handouts. Whether this material is included in any examination is at the discreting of the instructor.
 
VII. Reading Schedule
Week # 1 (9/3)        Perry, Ch. 1 & 2; Golden, pp. 1-4, 24-48
 
Week # 2 (9/10)      Perry, Ch. 3
 
Week # 3 (9/17)      Perry, Ch. 4 & Golden, pp. 49-50, 59-75
 
Week # 4 (9/24)      Perry, Ch. 5 Quiz #1
 
Week # 5 (10/1)      Perry, Ch. 6 & Golden, pp. 75-93
 
Week # 6 (10/8)      Perry, Ch. 7, & Golden, pp. 93-113
 
Week # 7 (10/15)    Perry, Ch. 8, & Golden, pp. 114-118 (Midterm Exam)
 
Week # 8 (10/22)    Perry, Ch. 9, & Golden, pp. 119-120, 128-142
 
Week # 9 (10/29)    Perry, Ch. 10
 
Week # 10 (11/5)    Perry, Ch. 11 - Quiz #2
 
Week # 11 (11/12)  Perry, Ch. 12, & Golden, pp. 156-169, 192-203 No Class Mon. 11/12/01
 
Week # 12 (11/19)  Perry, Ch. 13, & Golden, pp. 180-192 - No Class Fri. 11/23/01
 
Week # 13 (11/26)  Perry, Ch. Term Papers Due Friday: 11/30/01
 
Week # 14 (12/3)    Perry, Ch. 14, & Golden, pp. 217-218, 229-240
 
Week # 15 (12/10)  Continue with Perry & Golden
 
Week # 16 (12/17)  Final Exams Begin - Date to be announced - Last Updated: 1/13/09