{"id":415,"date":"2024-06-01T02:30:29","date_gmt":"2024-06-01T02:30:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/?page_id=415"},"modified":"2025-10-20T01:27:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T01:27:12","slug":"140-topic-0-course-introduction","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/140-topic-0-course-introduction\/","title":{"rendered":"140 Topic 0: Course Introduction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Welcome to History 140!<\/strong><br><br>Hello, my name is Jason Su\u00e1rez, and I am thrilled to be your instructor this semester in History 140: <em>The History of Early Civilizations.<\/em> In this course, we\u2019ll examine the fascinating journey of human development\u2014from the survival strategies of the Paleolithic era to the political, economic, social, and cultural transformations that occurred during European incursions into the Atlantic. Together, we\u2019ll uncover how early humans built societies, created cultures, and shaped the foundations of the modern world.<br><br>Your success is extremely important to me. I\u2019ve worked hard to design a course that is interesting, well-structured, and insightful, and I hope you\u2019ll find it both enjoyable and rewarding. To make things easier, you don\u2019t need to purchase any texts for this course\u2014everything you need is available through Canvas, El Camino College\u2019s course management system.<br><br>I\u2019m passionate about helping students engage with the stories of the past and develop the tools to think critically about history. Please don\u2019t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need support. I look forward to exploring these fascinating topics with you this semester and hearing your perspectives along the way. Let\u2019s get started!<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><strong>BEFORE WE BEGIN SOMETHING ABOUT ME<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<li>I was born in Wichita Falls, Texas. I have lived in many places and countries since my father was in the U.S. Air Force.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I attended Santa Barbara City College and transferred to the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) where I majored in history. I also completed my graduate work at UCSB.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>My first teaching appointment was at Seattle Central College (1998-2001). I was hired by El Camino College in 2001. I am currently tenured at El Camino College and also serve as the Faculty Coordinator of Student Equity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I have been married since 1995 and my wife is a tenured Counselor\/Articulation officer at Santa Barbara City College.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I live in Carpinteria, California. Yes, I have been commuting back and forth to LA since 2001. One hundred miles to work and one hundred miles home. Covid-19 temporarily put a stop to my commute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Five months out of the year I live in Spain where my wife and I have a second residence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And yes, as you can tell from the picture, my passion outside of the classroom is cycling. Broken wheel! I had to walk partially up Denison Grade in Santa Paula until I was picked-up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"298\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0cycling.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-416\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0cycling.jpg 298w, https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0cycling-206x300.jpg 206w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 298px) 100vw, 298px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Broken Wheel on Denison Grade<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><strong>HARDWARE\/SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">Let&#8217;s review some of this course&#8217;s hardware and software requirements. Students must have at a minimum the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A computer (PC with Windows and a Pentium processor or a Macintosh with at least system 9.0 recommended).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A recent version of a web browser such as Microsoft Explorer, Opera, Firefox, or Chrome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An Internet Service Provider.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An ECC email address provided by the college.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PDF reader software.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to a word processor that can convert text files to a PDF format.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0Technical-Tech-Support-Screen.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-452\" style=\"width:604px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0Technical-Tech-Support-Screen.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0Technical-Tech-Support-Screen-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0Technical-Tech-Support-Screen-768x399.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">As for the technical aspects of Canvas, I\u2019ll be upfront: I\u2019m not a computer or Canvas technician, so I may not be able to assist you with technical issues. However, I want to make sure you\u2019re fully supported if you encounter any challenges. For help with Canvas, please contact the Online Education Office at El Camino College by calling <strong>(310) 660-3593 ext. 6453<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">To ensure you\u2019re prepared for online learning, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elcamino.edu\/academics\/online-education\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elcamino.edu\/academics\/online-education\/\">El Camino College Online Education<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elcamino.edu\/academics\/online-education\/canvas-students.aspx\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elcamino.edu\/academics\/online-education\/canvas-students.aspx\">El Camino C0llege Canvas Resources<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elcamino.edu\/academics\/online-education\/preparation-before-class.aspx\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elcamino.edu\/academics\/online-education\/preparation-before-class.aspx\">El Camino College Online Support for Success<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elcamino.edu\/library\/distance-ed\/18suhandbook.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.elcamino.edu\/library\/distance-ed\/18suhandbook.pdf\">El Camino College Distance Education Handbook<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><strong>COMMUNICATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">There are three ways you can contact me this semester should you have any questions about the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First, you contact me via email (jsuarez@elcamino.edu) or Canvas. Your communication is extremely important to me so I will do my best to reply within 24 hours. To ensure that I see your message among my emails, please use the class name and number HIST 140 Online in your subject line. Be sure to use your ECC email account when contacting me. I cannot address official course details with you if you use a personal email account.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Second, you can visit me during my Zoom virtual office hours. My office hours are synchronous (live and real-time) and are posted on the Canvas home page. No password is needed. Zoom virtual office meeting link:<strong> <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/elcamino-edu.zoom.us\/j\/4920339955\"><strong>https:\/\/elcamino-edu.zoom.us\/j\/4920339955<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Third, you can schedule an appointment via email for a virtual office meeting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">For those enrolled in this course outside of the state of California please be aware of time zone differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>BEING DROPPED THE FIRST WEEK<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please be aware that if you do not submit your initial discussion board post by <strong>Thursday at 11:59 p.m.<\/strong>, you may be <strong>dropped from the course<\/strong>. This deadline is not only important for staying on track with the fast-paced format of the class, but it is also tied to <strong>chatbot enrollment tracking<\/strong>, which verifies your active participation. Submitting your post on time confirms your engagement in the course. Failure to do so may result in being automatically unenrolled, so please make it a priority to meet this deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><strong>PROCRASTINATION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">I want to take a moment to address an important topic early in the course: staying on top of deadlines in this condensed format. History 140 is a fast-paced version of a 16-week course, and as such, <strong>I must be firm about not accepting late work. <\/strong>With so much material to cover and so many students enrolled, it\u2019s critical that all assignments are submitted on time. Planning ahead will be your best ally in this course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How Much Time Should You Be Spending?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, a 3-credit course requires 9 hours of weekly study. However, since this course condenses 16 weeks into 8 (or fewer), you should plan to dedicate at least <strong>20 hours per week<\/strong> to your coursework. This includes reading, completing assignments, and participating in discussions. Staying consistent with your efforts is the key to succeeding in this condensed format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Procrastination\u2014The Silent Killer of Success<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why do we procrastinate? What doe studies suggest? How can we address our prorastination? Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles in online courses, and it\u2019s something I struggled with during my own time as a college student. I know how easy it is to put things off, but I also know how much better it feels to stay ahead of deadlines. Here is the bottom line on procrastination. It often masks deeper issues like fear of failure, perfectionism, lack of clarity, or low energy. The first step to overcoming it is understanding why you&#8217;re procrastinating in the first place. Ask yourself reflective questions such as, \u201cWhat am I avoiding?\u201d or \u201cWhat\u2019s making this task uncomfortable?\u201d Once you&#8217;ve identified the root cause, break down big, vague goals into manageable pieces. For example, instead of telling yourself to \u201cwrite the report,\u201d break it into smaller, actionable steps like outlining sections, finding three key sources, and writing the introductory paragraph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Why you procrastinate -- and how to still get things done | Tim Urban\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Rk5C149J9C0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another effective method is using the \u201c5-minute rule.\u201d Tell yourself, \u201cI\u2019ll just do this for five minutes.\u201d This psychological trick often lowers resistance and gets you started, which usually leads to doing more than you initially intended. Combine this with time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique\u201425 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break, with a longer break after four cycles. Tools like Pomofocus or even a simple timer can help you stay on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eliminating distractions is also essential. Create an environment that supports focus by turning off phone notifications, using website blockers like Freedom or Cold Turkey, and keeping your workspace clean and ready to go. In addition, try setting \u201cif-then\u201d plans to incorporate rewards after task completion. For instance, \u201cIf I finish this slide, then I\u2019ll get a coffee.\u201d Rewards work best when they follow the effort, not precede it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also important to recognize that perfectionism is often just procrastination in disguise. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress\u2014done is better than perfect. Accountability can also make a huge difference. Share your goals with someone or use co-working apps like Focusmate, or even join an accountability or study group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, don\u2019t forget to reflect on your wins. Keep track of what you\u2019ve completed\u2014no matter how small. This practice builds motivation and helps you break the \u201cI\u2019m never getting anything done\u201d mindset, reinforcing positive momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DISCUSSION BOARD POSTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">Discussion boards are designed to allow you to engage in historical problem-solving and critical analysis with your colleagues. They are a key part of your learning experience in this course, as they encourage you to apply your knowledge, consider different perspectives, and develop your skills in historical thinking and communication. A quality discussion board post requires thoughtful analysis and detailed academic expression\u2014hallmarks of any college-level history course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have questions about a discussion board assignment or would like feedback on your analysis before posting, please feel free to email me. I am here to help and want to see you succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make the most of these discussions, I encourage you to post your analysis well before the deadline. Last-minute posts often result in rushed work that doesn\u2019t reflect your best effort. They can also limit your classmates\u2019 ability to provide thoughtful responses, which impacts the quality of the entire discussion. Early and well-prepared posts create a more engaging and rewarding experience for everyone involved, including you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Discussion Board Deadlines:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Initial Post:<\/strong> Thursdays by 11:59 PM.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Responses to Classmates:<\/strong> Saturdays by 11:59 PM.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">Remember, your contributions to the discussion board are an essential part of your growth as a student of history. Thoughtful and well-crafted posts will help you develop critical thinking, analytical writing, and collaboration skills, which will serve you well both in this course and beyond. I look forward to reading your insights and seeing the conversations that emerge from your hard work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"340\" src=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0discussionboard.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0discussionboard.jpg 640w, https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0discussionboard-300x159.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">Below are examples of an acceptable discussion board post and response from students in History 154: <em>History of Mexico.<\/em> My expectation is that you will submit well-written, thoughtful, and insightful posts that draw directly from the course content. Strong posts will demonstrate critical thinking, integrate evidence, and stay focused on the topic at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before clicking \u201csubmit,\u201d take a moment to read over your post. Ensure your ideas are clear and well-supported, check for spelling or grammatical errors, and confirm that you\u2019ve stayed on topic. If you disagree with another student\u2019s post, that\u2019s okay\u2014disagreements can spark great discussions! However, always be respectful and show that you value their perspective, even if it differs from your own. A constructive response might start with something like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cI see your point about ______, but I would argue that ______ because\u2026\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">Clear and respectful communication helps foster an engaging and supportive learning environment. Below are examples of what I consider to be an acceptable post and response. Use these as models for your own work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Example of a post: <\/strong><em>The second coming of liberalism tried to move Mexico toward modernization through the use of foreign capital, the establishment of a communication network (railroads and telegraphs), commercialized agriculture and the expansion of the export economy. Again, this was at the expense of the peasants \/ Native Americans. Mexico became an authoritarian government with cientificos, who were often elitist and racist, advising Porfirio Diaz. Diaz usurped traditional village autonomy, influenced congressional and judiciary candidates, posted rurales (rural police corp.) to control peasants. He also brought the Church back in as a powerful ally. When agriculture became commercialized, public lands used by peasants were sold at auction, with over 45 million hectares now in private hands. Campesinos and village farmers were displaced and did not reap any benefits under Diaz. After the demand for exports declined in the early 1900s, it was the campesinos that felt the effects \u2013 the devaluated peso meant a rise in food prices. The combination of high food prices, low salaries, and layoffs led to tensions in the workplace and eventually to labor organizations and unions. With all the foreign capital invested in Mexico, Mexico was largely an economic colony of the U.S. by the 1900s so their involvement in the Cananea Strikes was yet another example of the country keeping campesinos\/peasants in their place at the bottom rung of society.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Example of a response<\/strong>: <em>Great job &#8211; &#8211; &#8211; &#8211; in pointing out how Vitoria believed that Christianity must be embraced and not forced and that them not believing is a better alternative than feigning belief. I&#8217;d like to add that Sepulveda also used religion in his argument, just more as a passing thought when he mentions the following statement from the Book of Proverbs: &#8220;He who is stupid will serve the wise man.&#8221; He also brought up how Evangelical law was more gentle than Mosaic law which to me was once again trying to show superiority but this time it was Christianity over Judaism. Also, I don&#8217;t think he necessarily meant that masters had to be physically weak because a person could be both physically and mentally strong, I think he just meant that intellectual strength was more important.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SCHOLARLY ARTICLES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I transferred to the University of California at Santa Barbara, one of the first things I noticed in my upper-division history courses was the requirement to read articles from scholarly journals. As a transfer student, I was new to the academic culture of research institutions like UCSB and found myself unsure of how to approach these types of readings. I didn\u2019t have a clear methodology, which made the process overwhelming at first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scholarly journals, also called peer-reviewed journals, are an essential part of academic research. They house the latest findings and debates across disciplines such as history, mathematics, music, sociology, and psychology. Understanding how to engage with these articles is crucial because they represent the foundation of academic knowledge in each field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Scholarly Journals vs. Popular Magazines\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2TohbuWsctE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When reading a scholarly article, I don\u2019t expect you to master every technical term or detail. Instead, focus on the following key aspects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What is the author\u2019s main question or problem?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What sources does the author use to address the question or problem?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What conclusions does the author reach?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How is the article relevant to the topic we are studying?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Not everything in the article will be relevant, and that\u2019s okay! The goal is to extract the most important information and connect it to the themes and topics of this course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you organize your thoughts, I will provide you with article analysis forms. These forms are a tool to help you summarize the key points of each article and reflect on how the content fits into your assignments. While I won\u2019t collect these forms, I strongly encourage you to use them, as they will make it much easier to integrate the article\u2019s ideas into the essays you\u2019ll be writing. Personally, I relied on tools like this throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies to manage the information I was responsible for, and I found them invaluable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, learning to engage with scholarly articles is a skill that will serve you well beyond this course. It may seem challenging at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. I\u2019m here to support you, so don\u2019t hesitate to ask if you have any questions or need guidance. You\u2019ve got this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">Three steps for approaching scholarly articles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol style=\"list-style-type:video\" class=\"wp-block-list wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<li>Check to see if the article has an abstract. If it has an abstract, I want you to read that first. If not, go directly to the introduction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I want you to read the article&#8217;s introduction and the article&#8217;s conclusion. After completing this you should know what this article is about.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I want you to read the article&#8217;s introduction and the article&#8217;s conclusion. After completing this you should know what this article is about and be ready to fill out the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/whpforms\/whparticle.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/whpforms\/whparticle.pdf\">article analysis form<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PRIMARY SOURCE ANALYSIS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout this semester, you will have the opportunity to practice one of the most fundamental skills of the historian\u2019s craft: analyzing primary sources. As you\u2019ve learned, a primary source is a piece of historical evidence\u2014created during the period you are studying\u2014that has survived to the present. These sources can include documents, letters, photographs, artifacts, newspapers, and more. Historians use primary sources to construct narratives about the past, but this process requires a specific methodology to interpret these materials effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What&#039;s the difference between Primary and Secondary Sources in History?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XU0fAhss-yg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When you analyze a primary source, your goal is to go beyond simply understanding what it says. Instead, you\u2019ll evaluate the source critically, asking questions that help uncover the context, purpose, and perspective behind it. To guide your analysis, strive to identify the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Source Type:<\/em> the type of primary source: artifact, document, image you are analyzing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Source Date: <\/em>when the primary source you are analyzing was created\/written.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Content:<\/em> the details the primary source you are analyzing records.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Context:<\/em> identifying why the primary source you are analyzing was created\/written.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Data Analysis:<\/em> your discussion of content and context of the primary source after you have analyzed it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Discussion:<\/em> the implications your analysis of the content and context of the primary source has identified for the study of history.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you organize your thoughts and prepare you to discuss this text, I provide you with <a href=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/whpforms\/whpsource.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/whpforms\/whpsource.pdf\"><strong>primary analysis forms<\/strong><\/a><em>.<\/em>&nbsp;This form can be filled out and printed and filed in your course records. Be sure to save your form regularly to avoid losing information. You are not required to submit this form to me. It is a tool to help you master the primary sources.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><strong>SOME FINAL THOUGHTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">When I was first hired by El Camino College in 2001, a student stopped by my office and asked me a question I\u2019ll never forget: \u201cDo you teach the real history of the past, or do you teach that other stuff?\u201d This question struck me as important\u2014and complicated. It\u2019s something I\u2019ve carried with me ever since. As we begin our work together this semester, I want to make it clear that the historical narrative we are studying is interpretive. I cannot verify for you with certainty that the narrative we\u2019re exploring represents the past exactly as it was. Instead, we will approach history as a field of inquiry\u2014one that involves constructing interpretations based on evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll examine this concept\u2014narrative versus the past\u2014in more depth during your first topic. For now, it\u2019s important to recognize that history is not simply a list of facts but rather a process of interpretation. Equally important to share with you is that this course, like any other, has a certain bias. What do I mean by that? As the instructor, I made decisions about what we\u2019ll read, what topics we\u2019ll study, and how I\u2019ve designed your assessments. While this means that the course reflects my choices, it also gives you a foundation from which to develop your own perspectives and decide what historical truth means to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">Think of this course not as a destination, but as the start of a journey. The knowledge and skills you gain here will help you critically evaluate history and continue to grow in your understanding long after the semester ends. Each of you will take this journey in your own direction, and I look forward to being part of the first steps in your exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"429\" src=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0road.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-433\" style=\"width:786px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0road.jpg 640w, https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0road-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A STORY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">I would like to end this introduction to History 140 with a fascinating story shared by James Burke in his work <em>The Day the Universe Changed.<\/em> Burke recounts an interaction the philosopher Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein (1889\u20131951) had. Someone once approached Wittgenstein and remarked, \u201cHow stupid medieval Europeans living before the time of Copernicus must have been to look at the sky and think that the sun was circling the Earth. Surely, even a bit of astronomical good sense would have told them the reverse was true.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To this statement, Wittgenstein replied, \u201cI agree, but I wonder what it would have looked like if the Sun had been going round the Earth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"454\" src=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0wittne.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0wittne.jpg 770w, https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0wittne-300x177.jpg 300w, https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0wittne-768x453.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">The point Wittgenstein was trying to make is that if the Sun were, in fact, circling the Earth, it would look exactly the same as what we see every day when it rises and sets. Let me explain with a simple thought experiment you can try yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tomorrow morning, just before the Sun rises, go outside and mark an &#8220;X&#8221; on the ground. Stand on the mark and face east. As the Sun begins to rise, point at it with your right-hand index finger and follow its movement across the sky throughout the day. Notice what happens: does your arm move as it traces the Sun\u2019s path? Have you moved, or does it feel as though the Sun is moving around you? For most of human history, this everyday observation led people to conclude that the Sun revolved around the Earth. After all, it <em>looks<\/em> that way, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From this story, James Burke concludes, \u201cWhen we observe nature, we see what we want to see, according to what we believe we know about it at the time.\u201d This statement captures a central idea about how perspective and context shape our understanding of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Middle Ages, Europe\u2019s inhabitants had a geocentric view of the cosmos (Earth-centered), based on their observations and the knowledge available at the time. It wasn\u2019t stupidity\u2014it was a worldview grounded in their understanding of nature and the universe. Today, with the advantage of centuries of scientific discovery, we know that although it appears as though the Sun revolves around the Earth, it is actually the Earth that revolves around the Sun. This is what we call a heliocentric (Sun-centered) solar system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"992\" height=\"434\" src=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0geocentric.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0geocentric.jpg 992w, https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0geocentric-300x131.jpg 300w, https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/0geocentric-768x336.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 992px) 100vw, 992px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image 1 &#8211; <em>Ptolemaic geocentric system<\/em> by Portuguese cosmographer and cartographer Bartolomeu Velho, 1568. Image 2: <em>Scenographia systematis Copernicani Atlas universalis et novus Amstelodami<\/em> by Gerardum Valk &amp; Petrum Schenk, 1708.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">What can we learn from this? Both perspectives\u2014geocentric and heliocentric\u2014are based on observation, but the interpretations of those observations depend on the beliefs and knowledge systems of the time. History works in much the same way. Just as medieval Europeans observed the world through their own lens, we, too, interpret the past through the perspectives and evidence available to us. As you study history this semester, I encourage you to think critically about the narratives we construct, the assumptions we bring, and how context shapes both what we see and what we believe to be true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How We Figured Out That Earth Goes Around the Sun\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/khIzr6610cQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This story invites us to think deeply about the nature of perspective and context. For medieval Europeans, the belief that the Sun circled the Earth wasn\u2019t stupidity\u2014it was a reflection of the knowledge and worldview available to them at the time. In many ways, history works the same way. It requires us to examine past peoples, events, and ideas not from our own perspective, but within the context of their time. History asks us to set aside modern assumptions and strive to understand how and why people interpreted their world the way they did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">As we embark on this course, I encourage you to think critically and approach the past with curiosity and empathy. Like Wittgenstein\u2019s remark, history challenges us to reconsider what we think we know and explore the complex relationship between knowledge, perspective, and the human experience. This journey will not only deepen your understanding of the past but also help you develop the tools to critically evaluate the present and shape your own narrative of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>IN CLOSING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">After this brief discussion on observation and knowledge, we can perhaps conclude that \u201cwe are what we know.\u201d When our body of knowledge changes, so too does our society\u2014both at the individual and collective level. This leads us to an important question as we prepare to embark on this course: What is the extent of the knowledge you have about who and what you are?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This course may help you begin to answer that question, as well as others you might have. Although it is officially titled <em>The History of Early Civilizations<\/em>, in many ways, this course is a history of <em>you.<\/em> What do I mean by this? Simply put, the content we\u2019ll explore examines the developments\u2014both biological and cultural\u2014that have made it possible for you to be who and what you are today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we embark on this journey of self-discovery, however, we need to first establish a foundation. In our first topic, <em>The Nature of Historical Knowledge,<\/em> we\u2019ll examine some key concepts that will help you succeed in this course and better understand how history is constructed, interpreted, and applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">Again, welcome to History 140. I\u2019m excited to work with you this semester, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns about the course. Let\u2019s get started on this journey together!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to History 140! Hello, my name is Jason Su\u00e1rez, and I am thrilled to be your instructor this semester in History 140: The History of Early Civilizations. In this course, we\u2019ll examine the fascinating journey of human development\u2014from the survival strategies of the Paleolithic era to the political, economic, social, and cultural transformations that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-415","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/415","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=415"}],"version-history":[{"count":47,"href":"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/415\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1403,"href":"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/415\/revisions\/1403"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eccser.org\/history\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=415"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}