Perspectives: World 1500-1800/World 1800 to Present

 

Professor: Xin Zhang

Office:              CA 503b

Office Phone: (317) 274-4898

 

            This course is a survey of the World History since 1800.  A background knowledge of World Civilization I, i.e., from the origins to A.D. 1800, is desirable, but not absolutely necessary.  The purpose of this course is to encourage an appreciation for different culture in the global context and to acquaint students with significant historical events that made an impact on mankind. This course will primarily be lecture.  Slide presentations, video displaying and student discussion will supplement the format. 

    

Required Readings:

 

William J. Duiker & Jackson J. Spielvogel

                        World History: Since 1500

 

William J. Duiker & Jackson J. Spielvogel

                        World History: Since 1500 (Student Work Book)

 

Course Requirements:

 

            1)      Regular class attendance (no more than four absences of lecture in one semester)

            2) Two written exams:  each exam will include only the materials covered since the previous one.

            3) One paper: on the topic chosen by the students themselves.  The papers may use at least two books as references.  Copying from textbooks is not allowed.

            The length of term paper:  5-10 doublespaced, typewritten pages.  Using a computer for wordprocessing is encouraged.  The following is a guideline for term paper:

 

            1) Choose two (or more) books for reference

            2) Summarize author's arguments

            3) Use some facts from the books to back up your arguments

            4) Conduct your analysis

            5) 5-10 double-spaced and typewritten pages in length

            6) Include footnotes and a bibliography

 

            Due date: one week before the final exam.

            Assessment Methods:  Midterm Exam (30%), term paper (30%), and final exam (40%).

 

Policy concerning plagiarism

 

            Plagiarism is the offering of the work of someone else as one's own.  Honesty requires that any ideas or materials taken from another source from either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged.  The language or ideas taken from another may range from isolated formulas, sentences, or paragraphs to entire articles copies from books, periodicals, speeches, or the writings of other students.  The offering of materials assembled or collected by others in the form of projects or collections without acknowledgment is also considered plagiarism.  Any student who fails to give credit for ideas or materials taken from another source is guilty of plagiarism.

           

            A faculty member who has evidence that a student is guilty of cheating or plagiarism shall initiate the process of determining the students' guilt or innocence.  No penalty shall be imposed until the student has been informed of the charge and of the evidence on which it is based and has been given an opportunity to present a defense.  If the faculty member assesses a penalty within the course and promptly reports and the case in writing to the dean of the school or comparable head of the academic unit.  The report should include the names of any other students who may be involved in the incident and recommendations for further action.  The dean, in consultation with the faculty member if the latter so desires, will initiate any further disciplinary proceeding s and inform the faculty member of any action taken.  In every case, a record of the offenses remains on file in the Office of the Dean.