HIST 102 - History of Western Civilization: The Modern Era - Adam Morgenstern
| Course: | History of Western Civilization: The Modern Era |
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| Professor: | Adam Morgenstern |
| Email: | Adam.Morgenstern@canyons.edu |
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Introduction
I will be your instructor for the fall semester. Before we begin, I would like to introduce myself. I studied history at California State, University Northridge. While I teach many different history courses, most of my research was in American history. Aside from teaching, I love to travel, explore my own hometown, and find new restaurants! I also love film, hiking, and cooking.
Course Description
This course surveys the history of Western Civilization from the 16th century to the present day, including the economic, socio-political, and cultural developments in Europe, the Americas, and in the emergent nations of the modern era.
What to Expect in this Course
Although we will not be meeting in person, you will be expected to participate regularly. Please check the course schedule and make a note of all assignment due dates, including exams and reading quizzes.
Reading: In addition to your required reading, I will occasionally post brief articles on Canvas. It is important that you stay up to date with all reading material.
Exams: You will be required to write an essay midterm and an essay final exam based on your assigned reading and the course material. I will provide the questions and prompts one week prior to each exam’s due date. They must be based on the course material, thoroughly researched, and well written.
Reading Quizzes: Every three weeks, there will be a short, timed reading quiz available on Canvas covering your recent reading material. Your reading quizzes will be five questions each and mostly multiple choice with an occasional short answer question. You will take a total of five quizzes and I will drop your lowest score.
Video and Reading Questions: You will watch some short videos and/or read articles and answer some questions to assess your comprehension of the material. The purpose of this assignment is to help you think critically. You will be expected to provide thoughtful answers for these questions. You will complete a total of four video and reading question assignments. There is no word count requirement, but you will be graded on your analysis.
Discussion: Throughout the term, I will present you with a total of three thought-provoking discussion questions relevant to the topic of the week. You will be required to post an answer to each question and then to respond to at least one of your classmates’ posts.
Research Paper: You will be completing a research paper towards the end of the term on a topic of your choosing from a list of options. You are expected to use your knowledge of the course material and to conduct your own research.
Types of Assessments
You will be required to write an essay midterm and an essay final exam based on your assigned reading and the course material. In addition to this, you will have reading quizzes, video and reading questions, discussion board posts, and a short research paper.
Textbook Information
You can obtain the textbook in the College of the Canyons campus bookstore or you may purchase it from a retailer online. If you prefer to purchase the textbook from another seller, please make sure that you purchase the correct edition.
Other Relevant Course Information
I look forward to a productive and enjoyable fall semester with you!
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 08/19/2021 Sub#: 559