HUM103:0
Culture and Civilization in the West and in the World
From the Middle Ages to the Present
Class Schedule: Professor: Ruby Ramji
January 5 – April 3, 2009 Office: CC 241 Phone: 563-1264
MON 12:00 – 1:15 pm Office Hours:
WED 12:00 – 1:15 pm MON/WED 1:15 – 2:45 pm
Class Room CC 262 THURS 1:00 – 3:00 pm or by appt
e-mail: ruby_ramji@cbu.ca
http://faculty.cbu.ca/rramji
This course explores, in an interdisciplinary, historical, and thematic fashion, the development of human culture and civilization in Europe and the Middle East. This course is a continuation of HUMA101 which includes a study of the main themes of Western culture from the Middle Ages to the present.
During this course, we will examine various aspects of civilization and culture in the Western – a continuation of the study of the classical and medieval worlds to the periods of the Renaissance and Reformations. The course will use a chronological approach to examine a range of topics dealing with human nature and society, and attitudes about self, society and God. The course seeks to stimulate critical thinking and discussion amongst students, as well as the ability to conduct research, read critically and present scholarly work in a clear and coherent style. Other topics of interest to the class may be discussed as well. Participation is important as discussion will play a large role in this class, and attendance is imperative for in-class assignments.
Course Evaluation:
Midterm Exam 35% Wednesday February 12, 2009
Short Essay 15% Wednesday March 25, 2009
Final Exam 35% To be scheduled
In-class assignments 15%
Required Text:
The following work is available in the CBU bookstore, and is required for this course:
Levack, Muir, Maas, Veldman (eds). The West: Encounters and Transformations – Concise Edition (Longman, 2006). A copy of the course textbook is also available at the CBU library on reserve.
Assignment/Essay Guidelines
In this course you will be given in-class assignments. No exceptions shall be made if you miss an assignment, except for documented medical reasons.
One short essay will be due on the assigned date. The essay must be handed in during class or earlier to the professor. Do not put it under the instructor’s office door. Due dates are not negotiable and extensions are not given except for documented medical or compassionate grounds. If you think that you will require an extension for these reasons, talk to the instructor as soon as the need becomes apparent: do not wait until the assignment is due. Please be aware that having several assignments fall due in the same week does not constitute grounds for an extension.
Essays must be 3-4 pages in length. Analyze the document, and then write an essay in which you discuss the thesis or main idea found in that document and how what you found in the document can help us to understand the larger issues discussed in class relative to the relationship between science, religion and society in Europe. The essay should have a summary, analysis, critique and conclusion. Make sure to use the course textbook to aid your analysis.
If you use the work of others, carefully document the essay with precise references for all quotations (direct and indirect), paraphrases, and derived ideas, information and interpretations. You are reminded that it is essential that you give credit to all authors for all ideas and phrasing not originating with you. Failure to document and/or to place quotation marks around all direct quotations is plagiarism and will be dealt with in accordance with university disciplinary regulations. Do not hesitate to consult with the instructor if doubts should arise.
Essay Document:
Galileo Galilei: “Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina” (1615)
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/galileo-tuscany.html
Levack et al: See Chapter 16 – The Scientific Revolution
Essay Checklist
Your essay will be distinguished by the following:
§ Printed (i.e. computer generated),
§ Three to four pages in length (feel free to go over the limit)
§ Double spaced, but do not put extra spaces between paragraphs
§ Numbered pages (not including title page)
§ Reference all materials in your essay, either using MLA or APA style. Precise references are required for all quotations, paraphrases, information and ideas. You must give credit to all authors for all ideas that are not your own. See the following website for more information on footnotes, endnotes, parenthetical references and how to write a bibliography - http://www.aresearchguide.com
§ Include a Bibliography (books or journal articles), placed on the final page of the essay; only those works in your essay are to be included.
o Do not use any internet sources or encyclopedia sources. NO wikipedia.
§ Title page including your name, identification number, course number and the instructor's name
§ Students must keep a copy of the paper they submit until final grades have been submitted for the course.