Dr.
Richard R. Heiser
HIST 121 -- RISE OF WORLD CULTURES AND IDEAS
READINGS:
Primary Text:
Craig A. Lockard, Societies, Networks, and Transitions: A Global History. Vol. 1. Follow the textbook link to a webpage that contains various student helps.
Collateral Readings:
Students will receive handouts or be directed to Internet sites.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Your grade in this course will be based on the following points.
Do you see the one who excels in their work? That one will stand before rulers.
~ Solomon
1. Section Tests: Four tests, including the final exam, will be administered during the term. The first test counts 20%, the second and third count 25% each, and the final exam 30% of your final grade. Test dates are listed below. A study guide will be distributed prior to each test.
The chapters of the text on which students will be tested
are as follows: Test #1 (pp. 64-70, 91-103, 138-142, and 190-196), Test
#2 (pp.
2. In-class Writing Assignments: Each day will begin with a few minutes devoted to writing. This exercise will have the beneficial effect of strenghtening thinking and writing skills but also improve the students' retention of information covered in the class. A topic will be given for each day, will be drawn from the lecture notes, and will be open note. Roughly five minutes will be devoted to this at the start of class. The student is to write on the main points associated with the topic as well as reflect on the significance of the topic. Each day one student will be called upon to read their written work. It is prudent for students to take careful notes in class and to review them regularly and thoroughly so as to be prepared for the assignments. Prior to each test, the student will select what they consider to be their best writing assignment from that section, edit and improve it, type it up, and submit it with their exam as bonus points that will be added to their exam grade to a maximum of ten. Writing assignments cannot be made up; late submissions will not be accepted.
3. Readings and Questions: Click here to access collateral readings.
4. Click here for test grades.
5. Click here for lecture outlines.
COURSE POLICIES: Here you will find the attendance policy, make-up exam policy, office hours, etc.
GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE:
I. c.4000 B.C.- 150 B.C.
A. The African, Asian, and European roots
B. Mesopotamia and its first empires
C. India and its first empire and China
D. The Greeks
II. c.500 B.C.- 500 A.D.
A. The Romans
B. The Beginnings of the Germanic West
C. China and its first empire and India
III. c.500-1450
A. Rise of Islam
B. Medieval West
C. India and China
IV. c.1450-1550
A. European Exploration
B. Renaissance and Reformation
C. India and China
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Additional reading in areas or aspects of history that interest you is an excellent way to expand your knowledge. At the end of each chapter of the main text are suggested reading lists that I would recommend. Should you desire more books and articles on a particular topic than listed there, see me and visit the library.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
PURSUE EXCELLENCE!
Excellence is Sorryness Leaving Your Life!