HISTORY 1510
WORLD CIVILIZATIONS FROM THE MODERN ERA
Todd Oldford, Instructor
Email: tsoldfor@oaklandcc.edu
Office Ph. and Voicemail: 248-232-4100

Winter 2014
Section A1502, Room F-102
Saturday, 9:00-12:55pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION
“In this course we will trace human civilizations from their origins to the era of global interaction
(the 16 century) by exploring their cultural, social, ideological, economic, and political institutions. We will draw comparisons in order to illustrate the diversity and similarity among civilizations and in order to develop a global view of world systems.” There are no prerequisites for this course. th COURSE OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
I have three objectives for this course.
Skills Development: You will hone basic educational and vocational skills like reading for content and retention, critical thinking and analysis, and written and verbal communication.
Content Comprehension: You will learn the major themes and trends of world history, with emphasis on comparative and contrasting global patterns and influences upon contemporary times.
Personal Application: You will develop a global and historical perspective on both the human and your own experience, understand the potential impact of your decisions on other individuals, groups, and the environment, and identify opportunities and articulate personal intentions to improve global conditions. To achieve these objectives, I will strive to create an active learning environment both inside and outside of the classroom in which you will read, write, and converse at an advanced academic level.

COURSE TEXT

Duiker, W.J., and J. Spielvogel. The Essential World History, 7th Edition (Wadsworth Cengage, 2014).
ISBN # 978-1-133-60658-1 http://www.cengagebrain.com/shop/index.html
At the publisher’s website listed above, you can purchase either a printed or an electronic copy of the textbook. The electronic option allows you to purchase the entire book, parts of it only, or even specific chapters, as needed. You can also purchase or rent a print copy of the text from the OCC
Bookstore website http://occ.thecampushub.com/occah/
Bring your textbook to every class; we will use it frequently. You should use the current seventh edition of this textbook, as it contains significant changes from earlier editions. There is a copy of the textbook on reserve in the library. You may read it or make photocopies of it there.

OFFICE HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
The most efficient means to contact me is via email, at tsoldfor@oaklandcc.edu. Please give me
48 hours to read and reply to your email before sending another. Please use your OCC email address when contact me.
I will hold office hours on Saturdays, immediately after class, by appointment only. Please set up an appointment with me before that Saturday’s class. You can call the Social Sciences office, 248-2324100, and leave a voice mail if I am not there.

COURSE GRADES
Participation: (150 pts) You will be graded on your participation in the classroom environment. At the end of each class, including the first class of the semester, you will receive a grade for your efforts that day, based upon the criteria of attendance, attention, and contribution. To earn an A for participation, a student must be present for the entire class, avoid distractions, and contribute meaningfully during discussions and activities. There will be fifteen grades entered for participation, worth 10 points each.
Attendance- coming to class late/leaving early will significantly reduce this portion of your grade.
Attention- taking notes, paying attention, and communication with me and your classmates will help this portion of your grade; sleeping, doing work for other classes, using your cell phone (texting, surfing the web, games, etc) will decrease this portion of your grade.
Contribution- asking and answering questions and doing your part in small group activities will help your