Syllabus and Study Guide: Western Civilization to 1500 CE

Course Overview: Western Civilization to 1500 CE

Course Description and Objectives

This course provides a survey of Western Civilization from its origins to approximately 1500 CE. The focus is on the social, cultural, religious, and political history of the period, revealed through critical reading of primary sources, textbooks, and scholarly articles. The course aims to develop historical thinking and literacy, emphasizing analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of historical evidence.

• Historical Thinking: Understanding how historians interpret evidence and construct arguments.

• Comparative Analysis: Making informed comparisons between or among different historical cases.

• Change Over Time: Analyzing and identifying how the West changed from early civilizations to 1500 CE.

• Global Interactions: Examining the West and its interactions with the rest of the world.

• Political, Economic, and Social Trends: Tracing the growth of institutions, economic and social trends, and the development of religious, intellectual, and legal thought.

Additional info: The course also supports transfer learning and critical thinking skills applicable to other disciplines.

Course Structure and Assessments

Grading Breakdown

Assessment	Percentage
Exams and Essays	50%
Quizzes	20%
Document Questions	20%
Class Participation and Attendance	10%

Grading Scale:

Grade	Percentage
A	93-100
B+	89-87
B	86-83
B-	82-80
C+	79-77
C	76-73
C-	72-70
D+	69-67

Assessment Details

• Exams and Essays (50%): Two major exams (Midterm and Final), each with essay questions requiring synthesis and analysis of course content. Essays are graded on argumentation, use of evidence, and clarity.

• Quizzes (20%): Fifteen online quizzes, each chapter-based, testing comprehension and retention of key concepts.

• Document Questions (20%): Seven document-based assignments requiring analysis of primary sources and short written responses.

• Class Participation and Attendance (10%): Active engagement in class discussions and activities, including attendance and participation in synchronous sessions.

Required Materials

Textbook

• Western Civilization: A Concise History by Christopher Brooks (Open Educational Resource, 2020, 3 volumes)

• Volume 1: Link to Volume 1

Other Materials

• Supplemental readings, scholarly articles, and news sources (not required but recommended).

• Lecture slides and recorded lectures to support textbook readings.

Course Policies

Academic Honesty and Plagiarism

• All assignments must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited.

• Refer to the LSU Student Code of Conduct for details.

• Resources for understanding plagiarism: LSU Overview Academic Integrity Module

Accommodations

• Students with disabilities or special needs should contact the instructor and the university’s Office of Disability Services for accommodations.

Communication and Netiquette

• Emails will be answered within 24 hours on weekdays.

• Online interactions should be professional and respectful.

• Discussion expectations: Share differing ideas and opinions respectfully.

Schedule and Topics

Module Breakdown

Module	Topics	Assignments
1 (Aug 25 – 29)	Purpose of History; "Why Study History?"	Read Brooks Vol. 1, Ch. 1; Article by Peter Stearns
2 (Sept 2 – 5)	Early Humans and Migration; Early Mesopotamia; Egypt	Read Brooks Vol. 1, Ch. 2; Final date for dropping without "W"
3 (Sept 8 – 12)	Early Empires, 1500 BCE – 550 BCE	Read Brooks Vol. 1, Ch. 3 & 4; Document Question 1; Quizzes 1 & 2
4 (Sept 15 – 19)	Greece and Persia	Read Brooks Vol. 1, Ch. 5 & 6; Quiz 3
5 (Sept 22 – 26)	Age of Alexander and Hellenism	Read Brooks Vol. 1, Ch. 7; Document Question 2; Quiz 4

Additional info: The schedule continues with further modules covering Roman civilization, Medieval Europe, and the transition to the early modern period.

Support Resources

Center for Academic Success

• Free resources for tutoring, supplemental instruction, and academic coaching.

• Workshops on study skills, time management, and test preparation.

• Website: LSU Center for Academic Success