Instructor: Dr. Wietse de Boer
Office: CA-503D
Phone/voice-mail: (317) 274-5499
E-mail: wdeboer@iupui.edu; http://oncourse.iu.edu/
Office hours: TR. 1:00-2:15 p.m., and by appointment
Classes: CA-219, TR. 11:00 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

Course description

The course provides a survey of (what is commonly known as) Western civilization from Antiquity to approximately 1600. It will focus in particular on (a) the development of the key institutions of political and social life, and (b) the ideas, values and attitudes that supported, and evolved with, these institutions.

The course will emphasize the complexity of the history of the West by focusing on problems of continuity and discontinuity within the western tradition, and on the frequent interaction with (so-called) non-western cultures.

The course has three goals:

(1) to provide basic knowledge of the course of European history (including major events and personalities) until the end of the sixteenth century;

(2) to enhance the students= historical perspective on, and understanding of, important political, social, and cultural themes in the societies studied (and thus develop skills which are applicable, in principle, in the study of any given society); and

(3) to give elementary training in the historian=s craft through the critical reading and interpretation of primary sources.

The books listed are stocked at the IUPUI Bookstore.

1. Attendance at all class meetings is mandatory. If, for some pressing reason, you have to be absent, contact the instructor as soon as possible; be prepared to document your excuse. More than three unexcused or poorly excused absences will negatively affect your final grade. Classes will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m.; to avoid disruption be sure to be on time.

2. Most classes will consist of a combination of lecture and discussion. It is expected that you read the discussion materials (the Wiesner sourcebook and the Iliad) in advance; always bring reading materials to class. Informed participation will be part of your grade.

3. This course covers thousands of years of human history, and discusses difficult themes that will be unfamiliar to many of you. Therefore, you are strongly advised to keep up with your textbook readings. It will make it easier both to participate in the classes and to prepare for the exams.

4. Assignments. Students must write two short papers, take two examinations, and do a minimum of four pop-quizzes. The paper and exam schedule is as follows (quizzes are not previously announced):

Plagiarism, cheating on exams, and other forms of intellectual dishonesty will not be tolerated. They will be dealt with in accordance with general university policy. If you are unsure what constitutes plagiarism, ask, or consult the Indiana University Bulletin, School of Liberal Arts, Indianapolis Campus, 2000-2002, p. 36.

first paper	15%
midterm exam	20%
second paper	20%
final exam	25%
four quizzes	10%
discussion (attendance/participation)	10%

In this course we will be using the IU ONCOURSE system to make available course materials and to keep in touch. More information on how we will use the system will be provided in class and in announcements posted on the course site.

Important: at the very least, you are expected to check course announcements on a regular basis, at least once a week.

Access to ONCOURSE can be obtained as follows. Using Internet software like Netscape or Internet Explorer,

1. go to http://oncourse.iu.edu/
2. select IUPUI
3. Enter your IUPUI username and password
4. Click IN HIST H113 C671 HISTORY OF WESTERN CIVILIZ 1
5. Course Announcements
6. Click Click to Continue
7. From here you can use ONCOURSE features such as Syllabus, Schedule, and In Touch