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










Subject Code: HUM400

The Development of Western Thought IV

The Modern Age


Academic Year: Winter 2008


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



Subject Outline

Subject Description

HUM400 extends the themes and chronology introduced in HUM100, HUM200, and HUM301 beginning with the French Revolution and extending to the contemporary world.  The course focusses on the emergence of industrialism, nationalism, and modernity during the 19th century and the influence of those broad historical currents on Western society, culture, politics, and economics.  In its study of the 20th century, the course places particular emphasis on the challenges raised by ideologies such as liberalism, socialism, and totalitarianism and by international conflict.  The multi-disciplinary approach, with its variety of lecturing faculty members, continues in HUM400.  Upon completing HUM400, students will be familiar with many of the elements that formed the foundation of the modern world.

Credit Status

HUM400 is a required subject for all GAS students.

Co-Requisites

None.

Pre-Requisites

HUM100: The Development of Western Thought I; HUM200: The Development of Western Thought II; HUM301: The Development of Western Thought III

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Tentative Topic Outline

Texts & Materials

Suggested Readings

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

Modes of Instruction

Two lectures per week.

Make sure that both lectures and times are recorded on your timetable.

Modes of Evaluation

Term Work
40%
Mid-Term Examination
30%
Final Examination
30%
Total
100%

Note: Refer to your professor's "Addendum to the Subject Outline" for more information on Texts & Materials, Modes of Evaluation, Weekly Schedule and Class Standards.

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 HUM400, the lectures are intended to place the readings in their historical context or to encourage you to think about the subject in a fresh way.  They are not substitutes for the readings and generally will not repeat or summarize that material.  Since examination questions are based on the lecture topics, it is important that you take clear and concise notes from the lectures and readings.  It is also a good idea to look back at your notes periodically, as it keeps the material fresh in your mind.

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.

Some tests will use multiple-choice bubble cards to record your answers.  A student who fails to write their name on their test card will be considered absent and receive a score of zero (0) for that test.

During an in-class test, all students are required to remain in their seats for the first 15 minutes of the test.  Students arriving after the first 15 minutes of the test will be considered absent and will receive a grade of zero (0) for that test.

In HUM400, there are 5 in-class quizzes.  The date for each quiz is listed in the posted Lecture Schedule and will also be announced in class.  All evaluation dates are set in advance.  It is uncommon to miss more than one scheduled quiz or assignment.  Therefore, it is not possible to make-up or re-write missed work.  A missed quiz or assignment will result in a grade of zero (0).  However, one such grade should not significantly lower your grade.  This policy applies to all missed in-class work.

At the end of the semester, the lowest grade earned from the 5 quizzes will be discarded.  Your term mark will be recalculated using the average of the 4 remaining quiz grades.  This calculation does not apply to the examinations.

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 throughout the term.  Please make an appointment to discuss subject material, as well as your progress in the course, with your professor during his/her office hours.

Learning Centre

For free assistance in English, visit the Learning Centre and make an appointment with one of our tutors. Tutors can offer guidance and can help you remedy writing problems, but will not proofread, correct grammar, or alter content.

Dropping a Subject

In the General Arts & Science program, dropping this course automatically disqualifies you from the Joint (Articulation) Program with York University (as well as Bishop's University and D'Youville College).  There are two deadlines for dropping this subject. 

If you drop the course by Day 10 of the semester, the course will not appear on your transcript.

If you drop by the last drop date (see the Student Handbook), the subject will appear on your transcript with a grade of "DNC" (Did Not Complete).

If you drop after the last drop date, the course will appear on your transcript with a grade of "F" (Fail).

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 deadlines.

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, which are spelled out in the Seneca College Student Handbook.

2.  Cheating and/or Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a serious academic offense that can result in a grade of zero (0) or, worse, 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 is not an excuse that will carry much weight.  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 Coordinator or the Chair of English and Liberal Studies.  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, S. 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.