Syllabus

HIS 373 European History Middle Ages to the 14th Century
Tuesday and Thursday 12:30 PM

Instructor: Prof. Daniel E. Socha
Syllabus

Overview: This course will explore the rise of Western Civilization and the expansion of European primacy across the globe. Students are expected to gain a deeper understanding of how and why European powers were established despite both internal and external challenges. Major events that occurred during this time period will be examined for their respective historical significance including various wars, political and religious reforms, and scientific discoveries. However, perhaps more importantly, students are expected to become familiar with and put into practice critical concepts associated with the study of history.

Particular learning objectives include:
 • Students will be able to explain and articulate different causes and effects of historical events or processes
• Students will be able to identify and explain patterns of continuity and change over time and explain why these patterns are historically significant.
 • Students will be able to articulate historically defensible and evaluative arguments
 • Students will be able to identify the differences between primary and secondary historical sources. • Students will be able to analyze and evaluate diverse historical interpretations
• Students will be able to explain the relationship between different historical events and the historical context in which they occurred.

In addition to these learning objects students will be expected to meet certain curriculum requirements. These include:
• Students must be in attendance for all scheduled classes
• Students must complete all reading and writing assignments for all scheduled classes. and these will occasionally include online assignments
• Students must adhere to the values and norms of William V.S. Tubman University and show common decency and respect for all

A student’s participation in class and in all assignments is a necessary requirement in order to meet the learning objectives and will thus constitute 40% of their final grade. The remaining 60% will be divided between three exams that will take place throughout the semester.

The following is a breakdown of the grading system:
1st Exam-20%
2nd Exam-20%
3rd Exam-20%
Particiapation-40%

 Professor Dan’s Office Hours at the WVSTU College of Education are Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:30-4:30 PM and can be reached by phone at 0888412926 and email at dansocha@gmail.com

Daniel E. Socha
M.A. Western Illinois University
B.A. Assumption College