HIST 122: Western Civilization II

Spring 2011
Course Description and Schedule

Churchill-Haines Labs, Room 101
9:30-10:45 TTh

Mr Lehmann
Office Hours: 11-12 TTh
East Hall 210, 677-5573, clehmann@usd.edu [http://www.usd.edu/~clehmann]
   

Catalog description: SURVEYS THE DEVELOPMENT OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION FROM THE REFORMATION ERA TO THE PRESENT. No prerequisites; no unusual technology skills required.

This is the second of a two-part survey of Western Civilization and introduces students to some of the leading figures, ideas, and events of the modern world. It also exposes students to the concerns and methods of historical inquiry through lectures, analysis and discussion of selected texts, and writing of short papers.  The goal of this course is for the student not only to acquire historical information but also to learn through example (lectures, textbook) and practice (discussions, essay examinations, papers) a historical/critical method of thought and expression.

Students must read all assignments, attend every lecture, take notes, participate in discussions, and secure this syllabus and all handouts--which contain chronological and geographical background to the lectures and readings--from the instructor's web page. In addition, each student writes five mini-themes of one to two pages. Students who expect to miss more than three meetings should see the instructor within the first week. A set of study questions, also available on-line, will assist the student preparing for examinations.  Finally, each student must maintain a portfolio containing all written work.  The portfolio will be a simple green two-pocket folder containing the minithemes and exams as they are complete.

There will be a midterm exam covering parts seven and eight of the course; another covering parts nine and ten, and a final exam, covering part eleven. Exams consist of one long and a choice of two out of three short essay questions; the final exam includes a comprehensive essay question. Each student will write a mini-theme on a choice of suggested topics for each reading, due on the assigned date during discussion of the topics.  The first and second midterms count 50 points each, the final 75, and the mini-themes 100 points (20 points each), for a total of 275 possible points.

275-248

A

247-220

B

219-193

C

192-165

D

164-

F

Students who wish to arrange another method of evaluation should see the instructor within the first two weeks. By all means consult the Top 10 Ways to Lower Your Grade in Humanities.

See the end of the syllabus for additional information concerning cheating, ADA policy, and outcomes of learning.

Required Books

Recommended Book

Kate L Turabian. A Manual for Writers. 7th ed. Chicago: Univ of Chicago Press, 2007.  0226823377

 The Mini-themes

Each mini-theme should be between 250 and 500 words long (one to two pages), typewritten or carefully handwritten. It can earn up to 20 points as follows: 10 points for content (clarity of argument, familiarity with the work), 5 points for style (grammar, spelling, use of words), and 5 points for care in presentation. The instructors will return essays with special problems for rewriting.  Try to work a week in advance; your instructors will gladly evaluate and mark up your first clean draft and return it to you for rewriting in time for the final submission.

Unless you make special arrangements in advance or have a medical or family emergency, you must participate in the discussion in order to receive credit for a given paper.  Submit the paper inside your green binder.

As you read the assignments keep all the suggested topics in mind, and take notes. Then pick one topic and answer it carefully and concisely. Feel free to consult with fellow students and with your instructor as you prepare the assignments, but the result must be entirely your own. Be particularly careful to avoid plagiarism; you must give references for every idea or quotation you borrow as you construct your argument. See Turabian, Manual for Writers, for the proper way to indicate references. At the head of your paper write the title and your name and staple your sheets together.  You do not need a bibliographic citation unless you use an edition other than that specified in the book list.

A. Voltaire's Candide

B. Büchner's Danton's Death

C. Marx and Engels' Communist Manifesto
Marxism as developed by Marx and Engels and their many admirers and critics is much more complex and problematic than this one text would indicate–you all know this; it is therefore especially important that you take this text on its own terms and construct your essays solely on the basis of what you actually find here.

D. Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom (chapters 1-27, 37-61)

E. Achebe's Things Fall Apart

Schedule

Click here for chronology sheet.

Click here for study guides.

 

13 Jan Introduction to the Modern World

Part 7: Absolutism and Enlightenment [Civilizations chs 15-17]

18 Jan

Introduction and Chronology (bring chronology sheet)

20 Jan

Absolutism in France and Germany

25 Jan

The English Exception

27 Jan

The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment
Discussion:
Voltaire's Candide

Part 8: The Age of Revolutions [Civilizations chs 18-19]

1 Feb

Introduction and Chronology (bring chronology sheet)

3 Feb

The French Revolution and Its Consequences
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

8 Feb

Discussion: Büchner's Danton's Death

10 Feb

The Industrial Revolution and Its Consequences
Nineteenth Century Economics

15 Feb

Slides: Early Modern Art and Architecture

16 Feb

First Midterm Examination

Part 9: A Century of Ideas [Civilizations chs 20-23]

22 Feb

Introduction and Chronology (bring chronology sheet)

24 Feb

Liberalism and Nationalism

1 Mar

Socialism and Democracy

3 Mar

Discussion: Marx and Engels's Communist Manifesto
New Directions in Thought and Science

15 Mar

Imperialism

Part 10: Turn of the Century [Civilizations ch 24]

17 Mar

Introduction and Chronology (bring chronology sheet)

22 Mar Bismarck's Germany

24 Mar

World War I
Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom

29 Mar

The Russian Revolution; Slides: Modern Art

31 Mar

Second Midterm Examination

Part 11: The Twentieth Century [Civilizations chs 25-29]

5 Apr

Introduction and Chronology (bring chronology sheet)

7 Apr Totalitarianism

12 Apr

No Class: Student History Conference

14 Apr

World War II

19 Apr

Postwar Tensions: The Cold War

21 Apr

The Third World

26 Apr Disc: Achebe's Things Fall Apart

28 Apr

Slides: Postmodern Art and Architecture

Monday 2 May, 7:30-9:30 AM:  Final Examination

Statement of Compliance with the ADA: 

If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and Dr. Elaine Pearson, Director of the Office of Disability Serves (Service Center 119, 677-6389) as early as possible in the semester.  I will abide by the standards for compliance outlined on p23 of the student handbook as well as make every effort to provide a fair opportunity for involvement and success in this class.  Please see me if you require accommodation for a recognized disability while enrolled in this course.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
CHEATING/PLAGIARISM POLICY

 Because the entire educational process rests upon an atmosphere of academic honesty and trust, the College community must promote and protect the sanctity of such an environment at the University.  To that end, the College of Arts and Sciences considers the following infractions as being inimical to the objectives of higher education:

 Cheating is defined as intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. (Student Conduct Code) 

 Plagiarism is defined as intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one's own in any academic exercise. (Student Conduct Code)

 At the discretion of the instructor, a student caught cheating or plagiarizing may be:
          a.         Given a zero for that assignment.
          b.         Allowed to rewrite and resubmit the assignment for credit.
          c.         Assigned a reduced grade for the course.
          d.         Dropped from the course.
          e.         Failed in the course

This class fulfills the following Goals of the South Dakota System General Education Requirements: 

GOAL #4: Students will understand the diversity and complexity of the human experience through study of the arts and humanities

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of values, beliefs, and ideas embodied in the human experience
    1. Essay exams treating cultural and historical problems raised in class and readings
    2. Mini-themes treating specific historical problems relevant to assigned works with historical and cultural content..
    3. In-class discussion of assigned works.
  2. Identify and explain basic concepts of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities.
    1. Exam essays demonstrating historical analysis.
    2. Mini-themes demonstrating historical analysis.

In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to do at least one of the following:

  1. Identify and explain the contributions of other cultures from the perspective of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities
    1. Exams, mini-themes, class discussion
  2. Demonstrate creative and aesthetic understanding
    1. Exams, mini-themes, class discussion
  3. Explain and interpret formal and stylistic elements of the literary or fine arts
    1. Exam questions and discussion concerning works of literature and art; mini-themes on literary texts.
  4. Demonstrate foundational competency in reading, writing, and speaking a non-English language.
    1. NA

Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes: Required: #1, #2 At least one of the following: #3, #4, #5, or #6 (Credit Hours: 6 hours (in 2 disciplines or a sequence of foreign language courses))