HS 110: World Civilizations I
This course explores the various civilizations of the world from their origin to the late Middle Ages, looking at them in isolation and as they interact with one another. Students are asked to consider the advantages and disadvantages of various ways of organizing human life in both space and time.
When the course is completed, you will be able to:
- Define the attributes of civilization.
- Identify and define significant periods and places for distinct civilizations from ancient to medieval periods.
- Differentiate each civilization's central beliefs about the individual, religion, state, property, law, etc.
- Analyze the contributions of each civilization and how those contributions have manifested in current civilizations.
- Identify how contributions diffused to other civilizations and the outcomes (initial reactions, adoptions, etc.).
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to
SLO1: List and describe significant epochs and regions that marked the evolution of Western civilizations from ancient times through the Renaissance.
SLO2: Contrast the characteristics and hallmarks of ancient Western civilizations, recognizing their lasting impacts that extended into the Renaissance era.
SLO3: Categorize and elucidate the primary tenets and beliefs associated with individual rights, religious doctrines, governance, property rights, legal systems, and other societal aspects prevalent in early Western civilization.
SLO4: Critically assess and articulate the myriad contributions of early Western civilizations, highlighting their enduring influence on the formation and evolution of Western societal norms and cultural values.
Poptential (2022). World History Volume 1.
https://app.poptential.org/student_sign_in/52956?course_id=983
Selected readings from Analects, Bhagavad Gita, Koran, and other texts. These will be assigned.
Weekly modules: All materials will be listed in Canvas in Weekly Modules for students to complete. All assignments, discussions, and other activities will be completed and/or submitted in Canvas unless noted otherwise. Modules will open Monday at midnight and close Sunday evenings at 11:59 PM.
Discussions: Each week will likely have a discussion question/prompt. You are responsible for posting your response of 125-200 words, using at least one citation in APA format in your opening post. (A Link to the APA formatting and style guide (7th edition). You must respond to two classmates’ posts with at least 100 words each. The discussion rubric is found in Canvas.
Student assessments for this course may include, but not be limited to the following:
- Tests
- Discussion Board
- Quizzes
- Journal submissions
- Paper/Presentation
Grading Scales
A = 90% - 100%
B = 80% - 89%
C = 70% - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F = below 60%
Deadlines and due dates are posted in every module for every assignment. In the event of an emergency, please email me. Knowing the following will help you be successful.
- You will need a computer to complete the work in this class. You’ll need to complete/submit work with a computer and a phone will not be sufficient.
- All assignments must be submitted in Canvas.
- All written work must be word-processed. I will not accept or grade screenshots or pictures of handwritten work (.jpg., .png., etc.)
- Use HJC resources to problem-solve your technical issues.
| Module | Student Learning Outcomes addressed in this module | Concepts &learning materials | Activities & Toolsof Assessment | Time on task |
| One | SLO1, SLO2, SLO3,SLO4 | Module 1: Pre-History | Discussion: Discussion on influence on geographic features on birthof civilizations (sea, fertile river valley, mountain ranges, etc.) Competencies: f Assignments: Compare and contrast between Hunter/Gatherer vs. agricultural lifestyle. Students choose 3 lifestyle attributes from a list (e.g. nomadic vs. settled, food prep vs. what is found, free time vs. labor, property, defend vs. move, specialized skills in larger groups, etc.). As a part of this assignment students either connect 3 attributes in a “cause and effect” chain, or analyze and explain how the 3 attributes create a new 4th attribute). Thisassignment is as much about critical thinking and a way of looking at civilization as it is the specific topics. (video presentation or brief paper) Competencies: a, b, e, j, n, o, | Discussion 90 min, Other 140 min. |
| Two | SLO1, SLO2, SLO3,SLO4 | Module 2: The Rise of Civilization | Discussion: What makes a civilization and what makesa civilization possible? Competencies a, b, Quiz 1, 2 (30minutes) Competencies: c, d
Assignments: Choosing one of theearly civilizations covered in Module 2, make a case for how our contemporary world might be different had one of the contributions of that civilization never existed. Examples might be: Sumerian record keeping, published Law, | Discussion 90 min, Other 140 min. |
(Tentative and subject to change)
Emails will be responded to no later than 48 hours or by the end of business on Monday for mail received over the weekend.
Academic Honesty Policy
The college has a firm policy against academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism. Students guilty of academic dishonesty will be administratively dropped from the course with a grade of ‘F’ and subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and dismissal.
Please refer to the Academic Honesty Policy for detailed information.
Late Assignment Policy
Meeting deadlines, being dependable, and applying appropriate time management are all foundational elements of professional behavior. These same attributes are also required while participating in college courses because the skills, knowledge, and student learning outcomes must be obtained in a specific order and within a certain amount of time.
We at HJC understand that sometimes students encounter circumstances that make it difficult to always meet the required course deadlines. This Late Work Policy is in place to accommodate that. In all circumstances, whenever possible, contact your instructor when you anticipate that you will be submitting work late.
The deadlines for most courses typically follow the pattern below, but it is your responsibility to confirm this and be aware if there are any assignments that may have different deadlines for one reason or another.
The first post in each Discussion Board is usually due on the Wednesday night of each module/week.
Most other assignments are due by 11:59 pm on Sunday evening of each module/week.
- All assignments must be submitted by the required due date.
- Missing assignments due to absence must be submitted within 1 week of return.
- Late submissions of assignments will result in a reduction of 10% of the total points possible per day (e.g., 1 day late = -10%, 2 days late = 20%, etc.) up to one week. Anything over 1 week late will result in a grade of 0.
- To receive full credit for late work, students must provide documentation for an excused absence, or it will be subject to the same treatment as any other late work. Documentation examples include court documents, hospitalization, etc.
Instructors may also choose to deduct less points at their discretion.
If for some reason a student temporarily loses the ability to connect to Canvas due to technical issues it is the student’s obligation to submit assignments by the original due dates. Temporary remedies can be connecting via a public WiFi spot, using school facilities to connect, or use of private networks through friends and family.
In extreme cases, when none of these solutions are available, the student may contact their instructors through other means and ask permission to submit their work directly, in a method that can be received by the instructor. Under no circumstances can methods of delivery outside of Canvas be used without explicit instructor permission. (If this ever happens the instructor should somehow note it).
Minimum Technology Requirements
Having access to a reliable desktop or laptop is required for HJC online courses. This requirement ensures students have the essential technologies to complete online courses successfully. Mobile devices, such as mobile phones and tablets may be utilized as additional tools to assist with completing online courses.
Online video conferences and calls are often the best way for instructors to assist students in many situations. A web camera and microphone are necessary for successful online conferences.
Safari and Chrome: Office 365 is designed to work with the current version of the Safari and Chrome browsers. Microsoft Edge: Office 365 is designed to work with the latest version of the Microsoft Edge browser.
Internet Explorer: Office 365 is designed to work with Internet Explorer 11. We recommend that you upgrade to Internet Explorer 11 if you are using an earlier version. Office might continue to work with versions of Internet Explorer other than Internet Explorer 11, but Office can’t provide any guarantees.
Firefox: Most Office 365 apps are designed to work with the current version of Firefox.
Some courses may have additional technology requirements beyond those listed here. Additional requirements will be listed in your Canvas course room.
Basic Office 365 apps are free and available to students with their HJC Outlook account. For additional questions and help with the required technologies, please contact help@hjc.edu
Minimum Technical Skills Requirements
To complete online courses successfully, you must be able to perform the following basic technical skills before starting the class
- Use the learning management system, Canvas
- Use HJC email with attachments
- Download, save, and upload files in Canvas
For additional questions regarding the required technologies, please contact help@hjc.edu
Technology Support
To be a successful online learner, certain technologies are necessary. Please keep in mind that certain classes may have additional technical requirements. You should be able to find additional technical requirements in your syllabus or your canvas course room. If you have any questions about the technology requirement, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 304-697-7550 or support@hjc.edu
Accessibility Information
Huntington Junior College is committed to full compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For additional information, please access accessibility policy. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 304-697-7550 or pjustice@hjc.edu if you have any additional questions.
Copyright Policy
As an institution of higher education, Huntington Junior College strongly believes in intellectual property. As such, Huntington Junior College respects intellectual property and has made it a priority to ensure all employees and students respect the copyrights of others. If you have any questions about our copyright policy, please access the copyright policy.
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If you need to speak with a person regarding any college policies and guidelines, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the college at 304-697-7550
This information is standard for each course but specifics may vary based on the delivery method of the course you are taking. Please follow the information provided by your instructor.
This syllabus is subject to change.