HIS 1000 World Civilizations to 1500 AD

STAFFING:

SYNOPSIS:

In a world of rapid change and narrow specialization it is useful to develop a long term perspective on the course of human history on a world, rather than a regional or national, scale. This course examines the rise and fall of civilizations from the neolithic period to the age of Columbus, focussing on economic activity, technological development, social structure, cultural traits and, in particular, religious/philosophical systems. The course introduces the basic principles of historical methodology and is compatible with course ANT1000: World Archaelogy which employs an anthropological approach. It also complements material in course AST1000: Australia Asia and the Pacific and course AST1001: Sacred & Secular: a prelude to Modern Asia. The course is particularly suited to Education students and is ideal as a general elective.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. identify basic models of civilization and metahistory, including world-systems theory;
2. recognize, define, and use the essential terminology of socio- historical analysis;
3. discuss, briefly, the main events, places and people in the development of civilizations in the defined period;
4. describe the broad parameters of the world's major religious/philosophical systems up to AD1500;
5. demonstrate competency in writing skills, bibliography and documentation in the History discipline.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Study Book. Book of Readings.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Documentary analyses are due one week after scheduled class discussion of the relevant topic. However, students are advised to select a document from topics in weeks 1-4; these, regardless of which week they are listed, will all be due on 24/03/05.

2.

Test will be in the last lecture of the week starting 26th April 2005.

3.

Exam dates will be advised when the timetable has been finalised.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the student's responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval, then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each of the first FIVE working days late, after which a zero mark will be given. (See Note 2)
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks for all summative assessment.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   The exam for this course is a CLOSED EXAMINATION, and candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any deferred or supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES