HIS 135 Unit 1

HIS 135
Unit 1: Introduction

This is the entrance to the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Greek Island of Patmos. It was here in circa 100 ce that St. John the Divine--by Catholic tradition this was the same person St. John the Apostle one of the original apostles--experienced his visions that were later recorded by his followers. These revelations about the dramatic, and bloody, future end of the world later became the last book of the New Testament of the Christian Bible; photo courtesy Daniel Tinsley Blue Separator Bar

What you must do in this unit

Familiarize yourself with the textbook and read the textbook's Preface and Chapter 1. Note that if you are using a textbook other than Keylor--and I do not really have a problem with that--then you will have to figure out the specific reading that you will need to do for the different units in the course. If you are using the Brower etext, then you should read Chapter 1.
Read the introduction letter from Professor Evans
Review the entire course website including the required assignments and your applicable important course dates
Read the information on the course Explanation of Assignments and Grading. Pay particular attention to the Personal Choice Assignment. This is very important.
Take appropriate action now if you will need proctored examinations.
Take the Course Introduction Check quiz. Log into Blackboard and you will see the button for the quiz in your course. This is a short, 10-question orientation quiz that you must take and pass with a score of 9/10 before you can continue in the course. If you must, you can re-take the quiz more than once. The quiz is also worth 10 points of extra credit.
Submit the Introduction paragraph and your current events paper selection.

What you should do in this unit

Watch the short video on developing a time management schedule for your course work.
Post an informal hello in the Blackboard online discussion forum. Please first review the instructions for Using Blackboard.
Since the use of proper grammar, spelling and style are an inherent part of each assignment in this course, please check the course writing resources available in Charlie's History Writing Center for more information.

What you can do in this unit

You may choose to listen to some short introductory remarks--they are a bit old--by your instructor as a mp3 file. You can also read the instructions as a txt file.
Watch the short clip of the Medieval Help Desk about some problems that medieval monks faced with the transition from using scrolls to reading books. Log into Blackboard and check for it under course materials.
Read some short remarks on Why Do We Teach and Study Western Civilization; or World Civilization, or Why Study Any History? We also have a list of history associations available.
Begin to review for the map quiz section on both the midterm and final exams. Now is a good time to begin to study and prepare. Check some recommended sources for map study.

Extra Credit Options

For 25 points of extra credit, review this entire course website, check the online ELI student orientation and send your instructor any questions that you might have. This must be done in units 1 or 2 of the course to receive credit.
You can also earn extra credit at any time by (a) finding a typo, spelling error or broken link (and sending me that information) or (b) finding any website or web materials that are relevant to this course. (Send the title of the site, the url and a brief explanation why you find the information interesting and applicable to the course.)
Other opportunities for extra credit?
Suggest an assignment for use somewhere in the course. Be creative!