HIS 101 World Civilization I Spring 2012 (MWF 8am & 9am)	What's New? May 1: Added the study guide for the third exam. Apr. 19: Added dates for third exam (see below) NOTE: This syllabus is located at http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his101.htm.
		Emergency? Call 610-436-3311

WHAT THIS COURSE TEACHES: In brief, we will learn how humans formed civilizations and the methods used to figure out what happened. To be more precise, humans lived in small groups who hunted and gathered their food for most of their history. But then, about 10,000 years ago, they began to farm, and that led to the formation of what we call urban civilization. Those changes left behind sources, which you will read, analyze and discuss. In the process, you will 1) learn what happened and 2) learn when (and how much) to trust sources.

OBJECTIVES: This course meets the student learning outcomes for information literacy, general education, and history by requiring and reinforcing skills in written and oral communication, critical thinking, and life-long learning.

TEXTBOOK (required): The Western World: HIS 101 Readings (Penguin Custom Editions, 2002). If you find a used copy, make sure it was complied by Jim Jones. This book contains excerpts from historical documents. Each excerpt has a supplemental reading that you can access using a link on this web page, ( http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his101.htm).

GRADING: The three major examinations are each worth 25%, 30% and 30% of your final grade respectively. Class participation counts for 15%. The dates of the examinations and map test appear on this syllabus. If you miss an exam, but can produce a valid excuse (see below), you will be permitted to make it up at Professor Jones' convenience. If you can not produce a valid excuse, you will receive a zero (0) for that item.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Professor Jones must deliver interesting lectures and facilitate meaningful classoom discussion, maintain regular office hours, write fair examinations and provide written feedback. You must read assignments before class and prepare comments and/or questions, attend class and participate in discussions about each assignment, and pass three (multiple choice & short answer) examinations.

ATTENDANCE: Professor Jones follows the University's attendance policy, which results on the reduction of a final grade for more than nine unexcused absences during the semester. An excused absence is one that you can document with a valid written excuse concerning a medical condition, legal proceeding, university-sanctioned event or death of an immediate family member (i.e. parent, sibling or child). All other absences are unexcused. Please note: 1) If you face an extraordinary circumstance and believe you should receive special consideration, discuss it with your professor before you are absent -- requests made after an unexcused absence will not be considered. Also, 2) the professor reserves the right to treat multiple incidents of tardiness as additional unexcused absences. Finally, 3) any time you miss a class, you are responsible for getting notes from a class mate and completing all assigned readings. If, after that, you have questions, talk to your professor during office hours (i.e. don't send an email asking "what did I miss?")

CHEATING/PLAGIARISM: In brief, do NOT do this. Cheating is any act that "defrauds, deceives or employs trickery" in order to obtain credit for work which has not been completed. Plagiarization is the act of "passing off the ideas of another as one's own work." Anyone who cheats or plagiarizes will receive a penalty as provided for in the WCU Academic Integrity Policy.

DISABILITIES: We at West Chester University wish to make accommodations for persons with disabilities. Please make your needs known by contacting Professor Jim Jones and/or the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at ext. 3217. Sufficient notice is needed in order to make the accommodations possible. The University desires to comply with the ADA of 1990.

DISCRIMINATION: Professor Jones supports West Chester University's prohibition against discrimination, including sexual harassment, of any individual based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, religious creed, disability or veteran status. The University is committed to providing leadership in extending equal opportunities to all individuals and will continue to make every effort to provide these rights to all members of the University community, including students, staff, and administrators, as well as all applicants for admission or employment and all participants in University-sponsored activities. Any individual having suggestions, problems, complaints or grievances with regard to equal opportunity or affirmative action is encouraged to contact the Director of Social Equity at ext. 2433.

SUBSTANCE USE/ABUSE: West Chester University is committed to improving retention, graduation and time-to-degree rates by assisting students during key transitional periods in their academic careers. Because the professor believes that alcohol and drug issues can compromise student success, he has participated in the "Partners in Prevention" training program to learn how to recognize addiction and provide referrals to assistance. If you wish to talk about any of this -- in strictest confidence -- please contact the professor outside of class.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: All students are encouraged to sign up for the University's free WCU ALERT service, which delivers official WCU emergency text messages directly to your cell phone. For more information and to sign up, visit www.wcupa.edu/wcualert. To report an emergency, call the Department of Public Safety at 610-436-3311.

The most recent version of this syllabus is located at http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his101.htm. View all of Jim Jones' course syllabi.
Office Hours: M-W-F 10-10:50am, M-W 1-1:50pm, and by appointment in 519 Main Hall.