HIS 101 World Civilization I Fall 2009	What's New? 11/15: Final exam dates posted; Section 1 on Wed. Dec. 16, 8-10am; Section 4 on Fri. Dec. 18, 3:30-5:30pm
		Emergency? Call 610-436-3311

TEXTBOOK (required): A collection of excerpts from historical source documents compiled by Jim Jones called The Western World: HIS 101 Readings (Penguin Custom Editions, 2002), plus supplemental readings linked to this web page, ( http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his101.htm).

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Read assignments before class and prepare comments and/or questions, attend class to discuss assignments, be prepared for unannounced quizzes during class, and pass three (multiple choice & short answer) examinations.

ATTENDANCE: An excused absence is one for which you can provide 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. You are entitled to a naximum of three unexcused absences without penalty, but each additional absence will reduce your final grade by 1/3 of a letter. NOTE: If you face an extraordinary circumstance that merits special consideration, discuss it with your professor before you are absent. Requests made after an unexcused absence will not be considered.

GRADING: There are three major examinations worth 25%, 30% and 30% of your final grade. Class participation counts for 5% and the remaining 10% will come from unannounced quizzes. NOTE: You may drop the grade of your lowest quiz and any quiz you miss because of an excused absence.

CONTEXT: For most of history, humans lived in small groups who hunted and gathered their food but about 10,000 years ago they began to farm. That led to most of what we call civilization through a variety of processes that left behind sources. In this course we will read and discuss sources in order to accomplish two things: 1) learn what happened and 2) learn how to know when (and how much) to trust sources.

COURSE GOALS: The course fulfills three general education goals emphasized by the Department of History: 1) developing effective communication skills, 2) developing critical thinking skills by teaching students to analyze and critique primary historical sources, and 3) presenting opportunities to consider informed value decisions and ethical choices.

CHEATING/PLAGIARISM: 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 zero (i.e. a grade much lower than F) for that examination or assignment. A second offense will result in a final grade of F and referral to the University's judicial system.

DISABILITIES: We at West Chester University wish to make accomodations for persons with disabilities. Please make your needs known by contacting the professor and/or the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (located in 223 Lawrence Center) at 610-436-2564. Sufficient notice is needed in order to make the accommodations possible. University desires to comply with the ADA of 1990 by making accommodations

DISCRIMINATION: West Chester University prohibits 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. This course incorporates the University's commitment to an environment free of discrimunation. 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.

Visit Jim Jones' other course web sites at http:// courses.wcupa.edu/jones.