Instructor: Lisa M. Lane

How do I get into this class

• Register at MiraCosta College. Online courses fill quickly!
• Please make sure SURF has your correct email address.
• The class will be open by Thursday, August 19 . Students who email me will be referred to the URL above to enter the class. This course is offered in Moodle, not Blackboard.
• Once you've created a New Account inside the class, do the Tech Check by Wednesday, August 25 to make sure your computer is set up properly.

How much of my time will it take?

• About 9 hours per week (standard for a 3-unit university transfer class)
• If you have basic computer skills, read well, and work well independently, the time may be less.
• If you have weak computer skills, poor study habits, and require much guidance, the time may be more. In this case, you may want to consider whether you are a good candidate for online classes.

Is it a hard class?

• As required by law, the class is taught at the freshman/sophomore university level.
• This class goes beyond the facts of history, into interpretation and analysis. This may be quite different from what you are used to.

What computer stuff do I need?

• Firefox browser (Internet Explorer won't work properly)
• QuickTime
• Reliable access to a good computer (there are also labs on campus)

I'm in the online section . Can't I just cheat?

• I'm very tough on plagiarism and academic dishonesty (see the college catalog). I give F's for work that is similar to that of your colleagues, past or present, and check all written passages. Quotation marks should be used when citing your sources.
• Quizzes are designed to be taken as open book, open note.
• The process of developing and practicing historical themes is designed to ensure that you develop your own interpretations and analysis.

Can I take the class at my own pace? Can I turn in late quizzes?

• This class is not self-paced because participation is on a minimum twice weekly basis. Late quizzes may be submitted for reduced credit.

What books do I need?

	The Textbook: buy it Noble, Western Civilization: Beyond Boundaries (5th edition only, Houghton Mifflin Publishers, 2008). Buy your books at the campus bookstore (eFollett.com) or any online book source (like abebooks or Amazon or aLibris). ISBN #0618794263. I'm sorry, but this textbook is not available to rent. Only the 6th edition is available to rent, and the quiz questions may be different.
	The Documents Workbook: you may print it, but please do NOT do so in the campus labs Lane, History 104 Documents Workbook, 8th edition [pdf]

What's this course cover? What's it count toward?

• This course covers the history of Western Civilization from 1648 to the present
• You need not have taken History 103
• General Education: Humanities

How do I ask questions?

• Chat with Lisa via GTalk
• Once inside the class, for private matters use Messages to contact me. I will respond within two working days.
• For class issues, use the "Help, I have a question!" discussion forum.
• E-mail me with any other questions.

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Last updated: 10 June 2010