Sunday, November 30, 2014

History 105-04 Final Exam Review

Exam date/time:  Monday, December 8th; 6:00-8:00

Part I:

Chapters 6, 8, 10, 11

Format:  10 multiple choice questions (each worth 2 points); one essay response (choice of two questions):  30 points

Part II:  Cumulative essay question, 50 points


Review for Part I:

Chapter 6, The Americas

  • Geographic features of the Americas
  • Major characteristics, accomplishments, and comparisons of the
    • Maya
    • Aztecs/Mexica
    • Inka
  • Comparisons between cultures of north, central, and south America
Chapter 8, Africa
  • Geographic features of the various regions of Africa
  • Major characteristics of rural village/tribal societies
  • Identity and major characteristics of West African and East African kingdoms/city-states
  • Influence of the outside world upon areas of Africa--trade, Islam, and Christianity
Chapters 10 & 11:


  • The major aspects of the Sui, Tang, and Song Dynasties, including
    • Significant rulers
      • Sui Yangdi; Li Yuan; Tang Taizong; Xuanzong; Song Taizu
o   Achievements and polices
·         The grand canal; use of Confucianism/Neo-Confucianism; role of Buddhism; government structure, policies towards expansion and relations with nomadic peoples
·         Cultural and artistic achievements
·         Social characteristics

o   The early history of Japan
§  Chinese influence upon early Japanese political developments
§  Major characteristics of the Nara and Heian periods
§  Characteristics and significance of the Samurai class
§  The emergence and significance of the Shogunate system
§  Major characteristics of the Kamakura Shoganate and Ashikaga Shogunate

  • The Mongols:
    • Major characteristics of nomadic life
    • The life and rise of Temujin/Genghis Khan
    • Mongol military organization and way of war
    • The establishment and expansion of the Mongol empire, including chronology of the expansion, areas they conquered, the limits/boundaries of the empire
    • Characteristics/locations of the Khanates:  The Yuan Dynasty, the Il Khanate, the Golden Horde, and the Djagatai Empire
    • The impact of the Pax Mongolica on Asia and Europe
    • Reasons for Mongol Decline 
 Review for Part II
  • Review past study guides to familiarize yourself with the major topics/material
  • Focus on the development of civilization over the span of time we've studied and how it has changed over time and how it has remained constant:
    • Political
    • Economic
    • Religouis
    • Social
    • Intellectual
    • Artistic
  • Focus on interactions between different cultures and the impacts/influences of those interactions
  • Be able to provide multiple specific examples and explanations from multiple cultures and time periods representative of all that we have studied.


Sunday, November 9, 2014

Midterm #2 Review

Chapters:  Chapter 4 (from page 102), 5, 7, 9, 12, 13

Format:  20 multiple choice questions (2 points each--40 total points); 1 essay response (choice of two questions (60 points)

What you need to know:

Chapter 4:  Greece from the Persian Wars through Alexander the Great

  • The Persian Wars
    • Greek and Persian military practices
    • Causes of the wars
    • Chronology of events
    • Major battles and their significance
    • Important people
    • Aftermath of the wars and their significance

  • Macedonia, Alexander the Great, and the Hellenistic World
    • Aspects of Macedonian society (geography, political system, military, etc.)
    • Characteristics of Alexander
    • Major battles and their significance
    • The collapse of Alexander’s Empire and the successor states
    • Aspects of Hellenistic culture and its significance (science and technology; religion and philosophy)
Chapter 5, Rome

The Republic
  • Geography of Rome, including the geographic extent of the Roman Republic
  • The Etruscans and their impact on Rome
  • The establishment of the Republic and its system of government
    • The role of the Senate and the Magistrates (including the different types)
  • The organization, weapons, and tactics of the Roman Army

  • Causes, characteristics, outcome and significance of the Punic Wars

The transformation from Republic to Empire:
  • The impacts of Roman expansion
  • The major people during the Civil War period
    • The First Triumvirate
    • The Second Triumvirate

The Roman Empire:
  • Significance of Augustus Caesar
  • The Emperors of the Pax Romana
    • Significant emperors (i.e.—those discussed specifically in class)
  • Characteristics of Roman society and culture, including aspects of daily life and significant artistic, literary, and scientific achievements

The Final Centuries:
  • Problems of the 3rd century
  • Significance of Diocletian and his policies
  • Significance of Constantine
  • The origin and spread of early Christianity (from the first century to the 4th century)
    • The role of Rome in early Christianity
    • The impact of Christianity in Rome
  • The Barbarian migrations/invasions
    • Various groups
    • Aspects of barbarian culture
    • Impact on Rome
  • Causes of the fall/transformation of the western Roman Empire
Chapter 7:  Islam

  • The major aspects of Islam and the emergence of the Dar al-Islam:
    • Major characteristics of pre-Islamic Arabia
    • The life and significance of Muhammad, emphasizing his role as the prophet and leader of the Dumma
    • The major aspects of Islam, including the 5 pillars (you should know the Arabic terms)
    • The emergence of the Dar al-Islam after Muhammad, including the territory it covered
    • The division between Sunni and Shia
    • Major characteristics, similarities and differences between the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties
    • Major cultural, social, and artistic characteristics and accomplishments of the Dar al-Islam
Chapter 9:  India and South East Asia
  • Major political developments in India between 300-1300 C.E.
    • Gupta Dynasty
    • Sultanate of Delhi
    • Tamerlane
  • The relationships and changing influences of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam over the time period
  • Dynamics of Islam in India (religious and social impacts)
  • Relationship between religion and culture; Indian cultural achievements
  • Characteristics of South East Asian society and Indian/Islamic influence on the region

Chapters 12-13:  Byzantine Empire and Medieval Europe:

Byzantine Empire:
  • The major aspects of the Byzantine Empire from the reign of Justinian through the Macedonian Dynasty
    • Characteristics of Justinian’s reign and the major figures associated with him
    • The Byzantine Empire’s relationship with other regions (western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Dar al-Islam)
    • The institutions of the Byzantine Empire
      • The Church
      • Characteristics of the military:  cataphracts and Greek Fire
    • The emergence of the Orthodox Church
Medieval Europe:
  • Major historical people, events, and developments, including:
    • The transition from the Roman Empire to early Medieval Europe
    • King Clovis and the Merovingian Dynasty
    • Charles Martel and the Battle of Tours
    • The Carolingian Dynasty; Charlemagne; the Carolingian Empire and its fate
    • The Vikings and their significance
    • Anglo-Saxon Britain and the Norman Conquest
    • The Crusades—primarily the causes and major events of the 1st Crusade and the 3rd Crusade
    • Increase/changes in European intellectualism and economic development
    • The Great Schism, the Black Death, and the 100 Years War; significance of all three of these and their impacts on late medieval society

    Sunday, September 21, 2014

    Midterm #1 Review

    Midterm #1 Date:  Monday, September 29th (first hour)

    Chapters:  1-4

    Format:  20 multiple choice questions (2 points each--40 total points); 1 essay response (choice of two questions (60 points)

    What you need to know:

    Chapter 1:

    • The development and major characteristics of early humanity, focusing primarily on the developments concerning homo sapiens and the hunter-gatherer lifestyle of the Paleolithic Age-Neolithic Age

    • The significance of the Neolithic Revolution (including when it happened), the development of agriculture, and the emergence and major characteristics of civilization

    • Specific knowledge of all of the Fertile Crescent civilizations covered:
      • Sumer and the Sumerians; the Akkadian Empire; the 1st Babylonian Empire; Egypt; the Hittites; the Phoenicians; the Hebrews/Isrealites/Jews; the Assyrians; the Chaldean/New Babylonian Empire.  For each you should know the relevant:
        • Major events in each of their histories and chronology of the empires
        • Significant people
        • Major characteristics and contributions of each of the civilizations (as relevant:  religion, government, class structure, technology, etc.)
        • Major cities
        • Significant geographic features
    Chapters 2-3:

    • Major geographical features of India and Asia—rivers, mountain ranges, oceans, deserts

    India:
    • Major characteristics of Harappan/Dravidian society, including
      • Cities and their characteristics, social structures, technology, religion
    • Major characteristics of Indo-European/Aryan society, including
      • Lifestyle, social structure, technology, religion
    • Consequences of interaction between the Aryans and the Dravidians, especially concerning the caste system and the concept of varna
      • The Indian names of the different varna
    • The origins and major principles of Hinduism
    • The origins and major principles of Buddhism

    China:
    • Chronology of the first four Chinese dynasties, beginning with the Xia
    • Major similarities and differences between the 5 dynasties, including
      • How they gained power
      • The territory they governed and their style of government
      • Technological, artistic, and other cultural characteristics
    • Any important people associated with each dynasty and their significance (examples:  Qin Shi Huangdi , Confucius, etc.)
    • The significance of the Mandate of Heaven (and how it worked)
    • The significance of the Period of the Warring States
    • The major principles of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism including
      • Who founded the philosophy
      • Books associated with the philosophy  
      • Beliefs

    Chapter 4 (also includes Persia from Chapter 1):

    • The major political, social, and cultural developments in Greece, including
      • Geographic features
      • The development and characteristics of the polis--specifically Athens and Sparta
      • The Hoplite
    • The major aspects of the Persian Empire (chapter 1)
      • Geographic features
      • Important people
      • Growth of the Persian Empire
      • Aspects of Persian government and administration

    Monday, September 8, 2014

    Guide to Citing Sources and Footnotes


    What is a footnote, and when do you use them?
    A footnote is a method for citing a source in the text of a research paper.  The footnote appears as a small number in the text—usually at the end of a quotation or a sentence. You should use a footnote anytime you do any of the following with a source:
    ·         Quote directly from it
    ·         Summarize it using your own words

    How do I insert a footnote?
    If you are using Word, then you put the cursor where you want the little number in the text to be. Then you click on “References” at the top of the screen and select “Insert Footnote.”  Word will automatically insert the appropriate number in the text, and then allow you to type the footnote itself at the bottom of the page.

    What is the proper format of a footnote?
    It depends on what type of source you are using.  For a comprehensive list with sample citations, go here:

    www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html

    Remember, part of your paper grade will be based on correct citations, to take the time to do this correctly and let me know if you have questions.



    Monday, August 25, 2014

    History 105-04 Course Syllabus and Schedule--Professor Layne

    History 105-04, World History to 1500
    Professor Layne
    Phone:  540-213-7744
    Flory 201, Mondays 7:00-9:45



    Course Description
    This course focuses on world history to 1500 C.E. and addresses the major cultural, political, economic, social, demographic, and technological developments that occurred throughout the world during this time at both regional and increasingly global levels.  This course also considers how the events of this time period continue to shape today’s world and places a particular emphasis on the academic discipline of history itself and how history is ‘made.’

    Course Knowledge and Skill Objectives:
    As a general education course, History 105 fulfills the “Global Perspectives: World History and Civilizations” requirement.  The History Department has established several goals and learning objectives for this course, which will be assessed this semester.  Upon successfully completing this class, students will have:
    ·        A strong working knowledge of modern world history, including major themes, dynamics, and events, to the 16th century, which also includes the ability to assess change and continuity over time and compare and contrast the major elements of early world history.
    ·        An understanding of the historical discipline and how it is practiced.
    ·        The ability to construct and evaluate historical arguments and interpretations.
    ·        Critical and analytical reading and writing skills.
    ·        Research skills and the knowledge to effectively use of both primary and secondary sources as evidence.

    Required Materials:
    • Textbook:  William J. Dukier and Jackson J. Spielvogel, World History Volume I, 7th edition, Thomson Wadsworth, 2013.
    • A section in a binder or a separate notebook dedicated to notes and course materials
    • Something to write with
     Course Policies:
    • As this course meets only once per week attendance is mandatory (missing one class meeting in this course is equal to missing an entire week in a more “conventional” course). 
      • If you know you are going to be absent in advance due to an official college activity (such as participation on a college athletic team), illness or family emergency you must contact me in advance via phone or email.  If you are unable to contact me in advance (due to an emergency) then contact me as soon as you are able—it is your responsibility.
      • Three absences will result in an automatic failure (F) for the course.
    • I expect you to arrive to class on time and having completed all assigned readings for that session.
    • You are expected to maintain a respectful and courteous classroom environment at all times.  Phones should be turned off and put away.  Laptops/tablets are permitted for note taking/course related activities only.  Unauthorized activity will result in an absence for that class session.
    • I will not have “regular office hours” however I will be available prior to the start of class as well as immediately afterwards for any questions or concerns you may have.  You may also contact me via email with questions/concerns on other days.
    • I expect you to regularly check your Bridgewater College email and the course blog for communication from me and for course updates.
     Assessments:
    Your course grade will be based on the following:
    • Attendance/participation (10%)
    • Mid-Term and Final exams (20% each; 60% total)
    • Research paper (30%)
    _____________
    100%

    All assessments will be scored out of 100 points.  Grades will determined based on a 10 point scale.

    Note:  I do not “give” grades—you earn them.

    Exams: 
    Exams are scheduled on the course outline (see below) and will be comprised of multiple choice and free-response (essay) questions.  Review materials will be made available to you prior to exam dates.  It is expected that you will be present on exam days.  Exams missed due to an unexcused absence will result in a “0.”

    Research Paper:
    You will be required to devise, research, and write a scholarly historical research paper on a topic of your choosing relating to world history to 1500.  A detailed explanation of requirements and expectations will be forthcoming.

    The Honor Code and Academic Integrity:
    You are expected to be aware of and abide by the Bridgewater College Honor Code, including as it relates to the act of plagiarism.  The student handbook defines plagiarism as “the use of another person’s ideas or thoughts, which are not common knowledge, without acknowledging the source.” The policy specifically prohibits
    ·        copying paragraphs or even central ideas and claiming them as your own,
    ·        buying papers off the web or some other source
    ·        turning in someone else’s work and claiming it as your own.

    Suspected violations will be reported to the Bridgewater College Honor Council and students found responsible for committing an honor violation could be subject to failure of the course or expulsion from the college. If you are in doubt about whether or not your work constitutes plagiarism then find out from your professor.

    For a more detailed explanation of plagiarism and how to avoid committing it go here:  http://www.bridgewater.edu/WritingCenter/BCplagiarism.htm

     Academic Support
    Bridgewater College is committed to providing all students equal access to the college’s academic programs and activities.  Students who have a condition, temporary or permanent,  (attention, learning, visual, hearing, physical, psychological or medical), that impacts learning and for which an accommodation may be desired are encouraged to contact the Director of Academic Support, Dr. Chip Studwell, 540, 828-5370 orcstudwel@bridgewater.edu to work out accommodation strategies. A letter is required from the Academic Support office, each semester, in order to receive accommodations at Bridgewater.

    Course Schedule
    The following is the reading schedule for the course.  You are expected to have completed the readings listed for each week by that class session

    Week 1, August 26:  Course Introduction, Pre-History, and the Origins of Civilization

    Week 2, Sept. 1 (read chapter 1):  The Fertile Crescent

    Week 3, Sept. 8 (read chapter 2):  Early India

    Week 4, Sept. 15 (read chapter 3):  Early China

    Week 5, Sept. 22 (read chapter 4):  The Greeks

     Week 6, Sept. 29 (read chapter 5):  Rome
    • First hour:  Midterm #1—chapters 1-4
     Week 7, Oct 6 (read chapter 13, pages 358-372):  Rome, continued; the Byzantine Empire

    Week 8, Oct. 13 No Class—Fall Break

    Week 9, Oct. 20 (read chapter 7):  The Dar al-Islam

    Week 10, Oct. 27 (read chapter 12):  The Early and High Middle Ages

    Week 11, Nov. 3 (read chapter 13, pages 374-386):  The Late Middle Ages

    Week 12, Nov. 10 (read chapter 9):  Classical and Post-Classical India

    Week 13, Nov. 17 (read chapter 8):  Early Africa
    • First hour:  Midterm #2—chapters 5, 7, 9, 13, 12
     Week 14, Nov. 24 (read chapters 10 and 11) Post Classical China and Japan
    • Research Papers Due at the Beginning of the Session
     Week 15, Dec. 1 (read chapter 6): The New World

    Week 16, Dec. 8, 6:00-8:00 p.m.:  Final Exam—emphasis on chapters 6, 8, 10, and 11 with cumulative elements.


    History 105-04 Research Paper Directions--Professor Layne


     In addition to course readings, class sessions, and exams, you will also research and write a scholarly paper using the conventions of the discipline of history about a topic relevant to world history to 1500.

    The purpose of this research paper is to introduce you to historical research and writing:  choosing a topic, conducting research, developing a thesis, supporting your thesis with evidence, and presenting it in the form of a well written paper.

    This project will be worth 30% of your semester grade.

    Due Date:  your final paper is due Monday, November 24 (late papers will be penalized 10 points per day until turned in).

    Grading Criteria:
    You will be graded on the following criteria:
    • Meeting the due date
    • Correct spelling, grammar, and formatting
    • Use of primary and secondary sources; strength of overall evidence
    • Strength of the thesis and overall substance of the paper
    • Strength of conclusions

     “Conventions of the discipline of history”:
    This means that I expect you to cite your sources using footnotes or endnotes and a bibliography using the Chicago style.  Don’t worry if you have no idea what this means—I’ll go over it with you in class well before the final paper is due.

    Source Requirements:
    You must have minimum of 8 sources— a minimum of 4 of which must be primary.  You may not use Internet secondary sources (like Wikipedia).  You may not use your textbook as a source.  You may not use general encyclopedias (World Book, Britannica, etc.).  Primary sources found on the Internet from reputable sites are acceptable, such as those found here:

    http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/index.asp

     Published books and scholarly articles are of course acceptable as primary sources.  If you have specific source questions or “atypical” sources, such as an interview, speak with me directly about it.

    Length requirement:
    It must be a minimum of 1,750-2,250 words (approximately 7-9 pages).  Any attempt to make your paper appear longer than it actually is (large font, weird spacing, etc.) will result in your grade being penalized.  The paper should have standard margins all around and be typed in 12 point Times New Roman font.

    Works Cited Page:
    Your paper should also include a Works Cited page listing all sources cited in the paper.  This does not count towards your total page count.

    Anything else?

    Ask me.

    Steps to follow:

    • Put the due date on your calendar, set dates for the other steps below:
    • Figure out a topic/thesis
    • Begin researching
      • Libraries
      • On-line
    • Re-visit/revise/narrow/broaden topic/thesis
    • Read/take notes on your sources
    • Revisit your thesis and outline the paper as you continue researching
    • Draft the paper/revisit the thesis
    • Revise the paper
    • Revise it again (and maybe again after that)
    • Turn it in (on time)

    The single most important thing:  give yourself time.

    The second-most important thing:  ask for help as soon as you realize you need it.

    Grading Rubric:

    This is the rubric I’ll be using to grade your paper:

    Research Paper Grading Rubric
    Professor Layne


    Student Name:  ______________________________________


    Formatting—20 pts.
      • Spelling and grammar—10 pts
      • Spacing, formatting and citations—10 pts

    _______pts

    Use of primary and secondary sources—25 pts.
      • Source requirements met/works cited page—10 pts.
      • Sources used in a balanced and effective manner—10 pts.
      • Includes Works Cited page—5 pts.

    _______pts.


    Overall Substance of the paper—55 points
    o   Includes a clear and well-thought out thesis—10 pts.
    o   Thesis is effectively supported by evidence—15 pts.
    o   Ideas are presented in a logical and organized manner—10 pts.
    o   Conclusions follow logically from evidence—10 pts.
    o   Paper demonstrate original critical and historical thought—10 pts.

    _______pts.


    Total Points/Final Grade:  _____________