Office: College 376
Telephone: 335-2156
Email: sbaksi@wsunix.wsu.edu
Course objectives:
Gen Ed 111 is a survey of world civilizations from 1500 to the
present. Taking a global approach, we will look at various modern
world cultures, focusing on their histories (from 1500), political
and social institutions, the arts, literature, technologies, and
positions of women in those cultures. This course will encourage
students to think critically and to analyze information they
encounter in readings, lectures and films/videos. It will also
enhance students' writing skills through a variety of writing
assignments.
Texts:
Duiker & Spielvogel: World History Comprehensive Volume,
2nd edition (listed as "DS" in reading assignments. We
will only be using chapters 16-33)
Brians, et. al. (eds): Reading About The World Vol. I,
3rd ed. (listed as "RW" in reading assignments )
Assignments:
a. Quizzes. There will be four short quizzes to make sure that you
keep up with the material. They will consist of multiple choices,
fill-ins and map exercises. (25 points each)
b. Exams. There will be three in-class exams including the final.
All exams will cover material presented in lectures, readings, and
films/videos since the previous exam. The final may include some of
the material included in previous exams. They will consist of
identification, short answers and essays. (100 points each)
c. Book Review: You will be required to write a review of a book that is related to this course. Detailed instructions will be provided later. (100 points)
d. Cultural Assignment. You will attend one of the cultural events
on campus announced in class and write a brief two to three-page
report. A list of selected cultural events and detailed instructions
regarding this assignment will be handed out early in the
semester.
(50 points)
Total: 550 points
Grading procedures:
>Final grades will be based on the total of 550 points. Letter
grades will be assigned according to the following scale: 90%-100%:
A- and A; 80%-89%: B-, B and B+, etc.
Note: Although frequent participation in class discussion is not a specific part of your grade, your participation over the course of the semester will bring up your borderline grade (from a C+ to a B-, a B+ to an A- etc.).
Attendance is very important. It will be difficult for you to do well in the course if you do not regularly attend class and take notes on information (lectures, films/videos etc.) not covered in readings but on which you will be tested. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you have the notes, handouts etc. from any class you missed. Also, you won't be able to participate in class discussion if you are absent.
Exams and quizzes must be taken when scheduled. Make-ups of exams/quizzes will be permitted only when you have a legitimate reason (like serious, documented illness, family emergency), and they must be arranged within three days after the missed exam/quiz. Turn in your papers/assignments on time. Late papers will lose 5 points per day late. In order to help you prepare for the exams, study guides are handed out a week before each exam, and review sessions are held outside of class period. If you need any help with the material, have any questions or concerns, please see the instructor or the TA.