Seneca
General Arts and Science Diploma Program
School of English and Liberal Studies
Faculty of Business










Subject Code: HUM100

The Development of Western Thought I

The Ancient World



Academic Year: Winter 2008


Approved By:
_____________________________
Mark Moss, Chair
General Arts and Science Program




Subject Outline

Subject Description

HUM100 introduces students to the Western intellectual and cultural tradition.  The course examines the origins and consequences of historical events, ideas, and concepts.  Together, their legacy forms the foundation of our own contemporary society.  Taught by a team of Humanities specialists, HUM100 draws upon a wide variety of academic disciplines (including art history, economics, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, and women's studies).  The course gives students a glimpse of the ancient world and a foundation for subsequent humanities and social science courses.

Credit Status

HUM100 is a required subject for all GAS students.

Co-Requisites

None.

Pre-Requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of HUM100, the student will be able to:

Tentative Topic Outline

Texts & Materials

Kagan, Donald, Steven Ozment, and Frank M. Turner.  The Western Heritage: Combined Volume.  9th ed.  Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007.

Kishlansky, Mark, ed.  Interpretations of the Western World.  Published for Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology, School of English & Liberal Studies, General Arts & Sciences Program.  Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2007.

Marius, Richard and Melvin E. Page.  A Short Guide to Writing about History.  6th ed.  Pearson Longman, 2007.

Suggested Readings

The following works are not prescribed texts; however, they are useful supplements to the textbook.

Russell, Bertrand.  A History of Western Philosophy.

Saggs, H. W. F.  Civilization before Greece and Rome.

Starr, Chester G.A History of the Ancient World.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary.

Modes of Instruction

One lecture and one seminar per week.  Your professor will use a variety of teaching modes and techniques including: lectures, tutorials, and classroom discussions.

Modes of Evaluation

Term Work
50%
Mid-Term Examination
25%
Final Examination
25%
Total
100%

Grading Policy

Letter Grade
Percentage Grade
Grade Point Average
A+
90-100%
4.0
A
80-89%
4.0
B+
75-79%
3.5
B
70-74%
3.0
C+
65-69%
2.5
C
60-64%
2.0
D
55-59%
1.0
F
0-54%
0.0

Attendance & Participation

Consistent attendance is important for success in this course.  If you are absent from class, you are still responsible for the material and assignments.

In HUM100, the lectures and seminars place the readings in their historical context or encourage you to think about the subject in a fresh way.  Lectures and seminars are not substitutes for the readings and generally will not repeat or summarize that material.  Examination questions are based on the lecture topics, so it is important that you take clear and concise notes from the lectures, seminars, and readings.  It is also a good idea to review your notes periodically: it helps you to remember the material.

Considerate classroom conduct, adequate class preparation, and participation will enhance your academic experience and that of your colleagues.  In particular, you are asked to be prompt, courteous, responsible and collaborative.

Missed Tests, Etc.

During the term, there will be tests, assignments, and examinations.  A student who due to illness or any other reason cannot attend must contact his/her instructor by telephone or email during school hours on or before the scheduled date to explain his/her absence.  This is the minimum departmental requirement to be given accommodation for an absence.  Individual instructors may require additional documentation or may make alternative arrangements for dealing with absences.

Final Examination Requirement

Students are required to complete any and all term work in order to write the Final Examination.

Student / Faculty Consultation

Faculty members are available for consultation with students throughout the term.  Please make an appointment to discuss subject material, your progress in the course, or other concerns you may have with your professor during his/her office hours.

Learning Centre

For free assistance with any of your courses and with ESL, visit the Learning Centre and make an appointment with one of our tutors. Tutors can offer help with understanding course material and can help you remedy writing problems.  They will not proofread, correct grammar, or alter content in your assignments.

Dropping a Subject

In the General Arts & Science program, dropping this course automatically disqualifies you from the Joint (Articulation) Program with York University.

There are two deadlines for dropping this course.  If you drop the course on or before Day 10 of the semester, the course will not appear on your transcript.

If you drop on or before the final drop date (see your Student Handbook for the date), the course will appear on your transcript with a grade of "DNC" (Did Not Complete).  York University does not count DNCs in calculating your grade point average.

If you drop after the last drop date, the course will appear on your transcript with a grade of "F" and will be counted in calculating your grade point average.

To drop this course, please notify your professor, complete a "Timetable Change Form", have it signed by a General Arts & Science Coordinator, and deliver it to Registration before the applicable deadline.

Academic Regulations

It is your responsibility as a student of Seneca College to be aware of and abide by the academic and behavioural policies outlined in the College Academic Policy and the Student Handbook.  Here are some key policies.

1.  Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students should be aware of their rights and responsibilities.  These are spelled out in the Seneca College Student Handbook.

2.  Cheating and/or Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a serious academic offense.  It can result in a grade of zero (0) or expulsion from the College.  It is not something to take lightly.  You are responsible for understanding the College's rules defining plagiarism.  Ignorance of the rules governing the use of copyrighted material does not excuse plagiarism.

In brief, plagiarism involves the unacknowledged use of another person's ideas, writings, or creations as your own work.  This includes word-for-word copying and close paraphrasing from print or electronic media sources.  If you are uncertain when and how to acknowledge the work of other authors, you should refer to the academic guidelines issued by the College or one of the many academic style guides that can be found in the College library or the Learning Commons.

The following passage is an extract from the Seneca College Academic Policy, Sec. 9.1-9.2 and Appendix E.

Cheating and plagiarism are offenses that will not be tolerated by the College.  Such offenses occur when a student misrepresents his or her performance on any form of academic evaluation including, but not limited to, written assignments, lab experiments, group projects, tests, or examinations.

The penalty for a first offense of cheating or plagiarism is a grade of "0" on the work in which the offense occurred.

The penalty for a second offense of cheating or plagiarism is immediate expulsion from the College for the remainder of that semester or longer, depending on the circumstances.

The student has the right to appeal the decision of the College, consistent with Academic Policy.

A record will be maintained of each cheating and plagiarism incident and the offense will be recorded as a comment on the  student's transcript.

Note: York University will not normally consider for admission a student whose transcript contains a notation concerning cheating and/or plagiarism.

3.  Discrimination / Harassment

The following passage is an extract from the Seneca College Student Handbook.

It is the policy of Seneca College that all employees and students have a right to work and study in an environment that asserts the personal worth and dignity of each individual. In order to achieve this objective, Seneca College will not tolerate any form of discrimination and/or harassment in its employment, education, accommodation or business dealings.

Every member of the College community has the right to file a complaint of discrimination/harassment through the College's Discrimination and Harassment Policy.

Discrimination against, or harassment of, any employee, group of employees, student, or group of students on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex, sexual orientation, age, record of offenses, marital status, family status, the receipt of public assistance in the area of housing accommodations, mental or physical disability, union or non-union membership, political affiliation, and student/staff/faculty associations defeats this objective and will not be tolerated by the College.

This policy shall apply where there exists a negative work or study environment or potential adverse impact on an individual's work or study performance, or on their work or study environment....

Where a student believes that a violation of these rights has occurred, he/she is urged to seek advice from the Director of the Centre for Equity and Human Rights.

4.  Student Appeals

Students have the right to appeal academic decisions of the College.  The procedures for informal and formal appeals are outlined in the Seneca College Academic Policy.

If a student disagrees with the evaluation of an assignment or with a final grade, he/she must first discuss the matter with the professor in an attempt to resolve the disagreement. If the matter is not resolved, the student should discuss the problem with the General Arts & Science Program Coordinator or the Chair of the General Arts & Science Program.  Students must keep all assignments (including drafts, outlines, and rough work) and exercises until they receive their final grade.  No appeal will be considered unless a complete file is submitted at the time of the appeal.  (Seneca College Academic Policy, Sec. 12)

5.  Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Protocols

See the Seneca College Student Handbook

6.  Copyright

It is illegal to photocopy textbooks and other copyrighted materials (e.g. graphics from a web site).  Copyright information is available at http://learningcommons.senecacollege.ca

7.  Accommodation for Students with Disabilities and Special Needs

The college will provide reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities in order to promote academic success.  If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Disabilities Services Office at ext. 2900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.