Required books
- Joshua Cole and Carol Symes, Western Civilizations, Brief 4th edition volume one (W.W. Norton, 2017, ISBN 9780393265330). You might also use an earlier or different version, but you will have to figure out for yourself the specific reading assignments.
You must read this book for the book paper.
- Machiavelli, The Prince (ISBN 9780486272740)
General course purpose
Surveys the general history of the Western world from about 3000 BCE to 1600 CE and allows students to reach a basic understanding of the characteristic features of the Western world's early historical development in that span of time. Students will learn about some of the important political, economic, social, intellectual, cultural and religious changes that shaped the development of the West from earliest times.
Course objectives
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Establish a chronology of historical events in the Western world before 1600 CE.
- Explain the changing geopolitical structures of the Western world up until 1600 CE.
- Define the importance of key individuals and developments in Western civilization before 1600 CE.
- Identify the social, economic and political forces at work in the evolution of early and medieval Western history.
- Recognize and describe the significance of some of the cultural achievements of ancient and medieval Western civilization.
- Analyze complex historical sources and materials and reach conclusions based on interpretations of those materials.
Disabilities and accommodation
NOVA is committed to ensuring all students have an opportunity to pursue a college education regardless of the presence or absence of a disability. Information on NOVA’s Disability Support Services, including how to reach a Disability Services Counselor, can be found at www.nvcc.edu/disability-services/index.html. If you have a MoA, then it must be presented to your instructor during unit 1 of the course so that any accommodations can be worked out.
NOVACares
During your time at NOVA, you may experience challenges including struggles with academics, finances, or your personal well-being. NOVA has support resources available. Please visit http://www.nvcc.edu/novacares if you are seeking resources and support or if you are worried about a friend or classmate
Financial aid
Students receiving financial aid are expected to attend and complete all classes. Withdrawing from a class can dramatically impact your financial aid status and may require repayment. To understand the impact of withdrawing from a course please review pages 13-17 of the Financial Aid Handbook.
Emergency preparedness
Information on what to do in case of an emergency can be found on NOVA’s Office of Emergency Planning and Management (OEPM) website at www.nvcc.edu/emergency.
Submitting assignments
Feedback on your work will be posted to the Canvas gradebook, usually within 24-48 hours. You should follow the same directions if you are resubmitting an assignment.
When you have any questions about the course or your assignments or when you want to send a draft of an assignment for informal feedback, please contact your instructor by email using your student email account.
Course website
The website for this course is https://www.ctevans.net/Nvcc/Campus/HIS101/Index.html. All of the class materials and assignments are available on that site.
Using Canvas
Canvas is used to support the course. Log into Canvas from the MyNova tab on the college home page to reach the course. You will find an online gradebook in Canvas, where you can track your grades, and also a discussion board, where you will be able to exchange ideas on assignments.
Plagiarism, cheating and student conduct
NOVA does not tolerate academic dishonesty. As outlined in more detail in The Student Handbook, academic dishonesty can include, but is not limited to, cheating on an exam or quiz and submitting work that is not your own (plagiarism). Because faculty members share a responsibility for a student’s education and the value of a NOVA degree, they seek to prevent unethical behavior and, when necessary, respond to infringements of academic integrity. Penalties can include a failing grade on an assignment, a failing grade in the course, suspension, or expulsion from the college. Procedures for disciplinary measures and appeals are outlined in the NOVA Student Handbook.
Please make sure that you read the course policy on plagiarism and cheating. You are expected to abide by the student conduct provisions of the college's student handbook, and it is expected that you will be courteous in all conversations and assignments in this course.
Classroom behavior
Improper or impolite classroom behavior will not be tolerated. No use of cell phones, pagers, text messengers, blackberries, smartphones, iPads or any other electronic devices that interfere with our work during class. Note that sometimes we will be using electronic devices for class work during class.
Attendance
Attendance is required. There is extra credit for class attendance.