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Mr. Lucier’s History 171 (online) Syllabus

History 171 Section 04 + 05 (Ref# 4896 + 4894) | World History 1500 - present (3.0 Units)

San Bernardino Valley College | Fall 2025

Division: Social Sciences, Human Development & Physical Education Division

Division location/contact: North Hall Room 345 | (909) 384-4413

Instructor Information:

Instructor: Bradley Lucier

Email: Blucier@sbccd.cc.ca.us

Preferred contact: inbox feature in canvas

Office location/hours: Online, M/W 10:40 – 11:10 AM

Class Information:

Location: Online

Time: Asynchronous (no scheduled times), 6.75 hours per week

Date Range: 10/20/25 – 12/19/25

Online LMS: Canvas

Catalog Description:

Departmental Recommendation: ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000H

This course is a survey of world history from 1500 to present. There is a comparative approach to the study of specific themes including political, social, and economic change, as well as religious and cultural development.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Critically analyze major historical developments, trends, and cycles in world history from 1500 to present times
2. Discuss the impact of interactions between all regions of the world regarding trade, migration, cultural and biological exchanges beginning in the 16th century period
3. Compare and contrast the development and implementation of key political and economic systems
4. Assess the impact of colonialism, imperialism, independence and nationalistic movements
5. Compare daily life in different cultural and geographic settings
6. Analyze the impact of scientific achievements, new technologies, and industrialization
7. Compare and contrast various cultural movements, including key achievements in art and literature in the world from 1500 to present
8. Explain the causes and consequences of major world wars, such as World War I, World War II, and the Cold War
9. Critically evaluate the modern challenges created by globalization, including economic instability, human rights, and environmental concerns

Course Core Competencies:

• Read and retain information
• Write clearly
• Locate and interpret information
• Evaluate authority and bias of information
• Locate, evaluate and select evidence to support/discredit an argument
• Construct a persuasive argument
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and respect for, other cultures
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and respect for, one’s own culture

Student Learner Outcomes:

1. Identify and explain the historical significance of key terms, events in World history 1500-Present.
2. Critically evaluate and interpret specific themes such as religion, economic, and political revolutions, industrialization and colonization, and wars and decolonization from a global perspective.
3. Applying a global perspective and comparative approach, analyze the impact of increased interaction between nations and the consequences that modern development had on both individual countries and the world, using evidence based writing (2 or more sources).

Required Texts:

Textbook is 100% free and online at:

 https://openstax.org/details/books/world-history-colume-2/

OpenStax, World History, Volume 2: From 1400 (Houston: OpenStax, 2022),

*Additional required readings will be made available online through Canvas

Course Requirements:

Chapter quizzes                                                           350 points (points vary per week)

Midterm and Final Exam                                            350 points (175 points each)

Two Historical Biographical Discussions                     180 points (90 points each)

Four Primary Source Discussions:                               120 points (30 points each)

________________________________________________________________________

Total points:                                                                1000 points                                                                

Grade Breakdown

1000-900 points = A

899-800 points = B

799-700 points = C

699-600 points = D

599-0 points = F

Online quizzes:

(350 points total, points vary per week) Each week students will be required to complete readings, watch videos, and take notes on the chapters covered for that week followed by a brief quiz. Quizzes allow for unlimited time and attempts.  Due dates for chapter quizzes are each week by Sunday night @ 11:59 PM. Late submissions are only accepted up to one week past the due date, after that they will not be accepted and are scored as 0. Any late submissions will have scores reduced by 50%.

Midterm and Final Exam:

(350 points, 175 points each) Students will be required to complete a midterm and final exam.  Exams will test your knowledge on the chapters covered in the textbook. Exams will consist of 25 questions (multiple answer, matching, dropdown) that you will be required to answer in 60 minutes.  Questions are chosen from a pool and shuffled, meaning each exam attempt will generate a different exam.  There are three attempts to account for any technical glitches or internet issues during your initial attempt.  Even if you experience no technical issues on the first attempt, feel free to take advantage of all attempts. No late Exams will be accepted.

Historical Biographical Discussion:

(180 points, 90 points each) During the semester students will complete 2 biographical assignments. Each assignment will require each student to participate in two separate discussions. The first; everyone will choose a different person for which they will write a discussion post detailing that individuals’ biography. Participating in the first discussion will avoid two or more students choosing the same person. Duplicate posts receive no credit.

 

The second; there will be a series of questions for which you will answer.  Research will be based from online sources as these assignments will require a deeper understanding than the textbook or videos can provide.  Biographical posts must be put into your own words to avoid plagiarized work. Any work copied and pasted and/or not put into your own words will be considered plagiarism and will be graded as a 0.  Each student must also reply to at least 2 other students posts comparing biographical figures through a series of follow up questions that will be posted.  The specific format for these assignments will be made available on Canvas. Late assignments are only accepted within 1 week of their original due date and will be reduced by 50%

Primary Source Discussions

(120 points total, 30 points each) Four primary sources discussions will be made available on canvas.  Primary source discussions require the reading of selected primary sources posted in to canvas.  You will be given a series of questions which you must answer in your discussion.  It is important to include in your initial reply: 1) the primary source read and 2) the question you are answering. Source discussions will be graded on the initial post and the two required peer replies. Late assignments will only be accepted within one week of the original due date.  Late assignments are reduced by 50%.

 

What is a primary source?  A source is anything that informs us about the past.  A primary source is a source that comes directly from the time/place of historical inquiry. 

Add/Drop/Attendance Policy:

Students can be dropped for the following reasons:

1. Failure to complete introduction assignments by due date (first week)
2. Failure to submit any work for any given 2-week period.

Drop date: 10/28/25. Withdraw date: 11/21/25. Students are responsible for dropping by the posted deadlines.

 

Communication Policy:

I value open communication and am here to support your learning journey. If you have any questions, concerns, or need clarification on course material, feel free to reach out to me via inbox message in canvas or email. I will do my best to respond to all inquiries in a timely manner, typically within 24-48 hours. Additionally, any important announcements or updates regarding the course will be communicated through Canvas, so please make sure to check this regularly.

 

Plagiarism Policy/Responsible AI use:

There is a zero-tolerance plagiarism and cheating policy.  Like any source, AI-generated content must be rephrased in your own words and reflect your understanding. Verify its accuracy with credible sources and follow academic integrity guidelines. Misuse of AI will be treated as a violation of academic honesty. Plagiarism/cheating/irresponsible AI use will earn you a zero on the assignment and will be reported to the College Discipline Office which may take further disciplinary action.

Late Work:

No late exams are accepted.  Because the answers are public after exam sessions, no late exams are accepted.  Exam sessions are open for 7 days, if an exam has not been attempted within the exam period, it will be scored as 0.  

 

All other late assignments will only be accepted within one week of the original due date.  After 7 days from the due date, assignments will be closed for submissions and graded as 0. No late assignments are accepted after the end of the semester.   Late assignments will have their scores reduced by 50%.

ADA Accommodations:

If you require a disability-related accommodation, please let me know as soon as possible so I can assist you in a timely manner.  You should also contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) directly to make your request.  You will be required to provide SAS with verification of your disabling condition(s). SAS is located in AD/SS 105 or can be reached at (909) 384-4443 (voice) or 888-2357 (TTY).

Helpful Resources for Students

Below are examples of resources provided at San Bernardino Valley College. See the College Catalog for a complete list of services for students.

 

Technology Resources

• Assistance with Canvas, Microsoft Office for students, email address and access, etc. To submit a HelpDesk ticket helpdesk@sbccd.edu or call (909) 384-4357.

 

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

• Located in AD/SS 105, the SAS team assists students with temporary or permanent disabilities, so they have equal access to all educational programs and activities on campus.

 

Valley 360° Resource Center (Food Pantry & Basic Needs)

• Located to the left side of the Library, next to The Den, The Valley 360° Resource Center (Pantry) provides food, hygiene and other items that become available. Email studentlife@valleycollege.edu or call (909) 387-1664 for additional information.

 

Student Health Services (909) 384-4494

• For physical health, mental health, crisis, and wellness needs.

 

Tutoring and Academic Success Centers

• Academic Success Center: provides academic support, tutoring, and Supplemental Instruction (SI) in multiple subjects to a diverse group of learners.
• STEM-MESA Program: provides STEM students with free tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions throughout the academic year to help students develop successful study skill habits.
• Writing Center: The Writing Center is a free composition tutoring service that hosts an experienced staff of writing tutors who are available for in person as well as online/remote tutoring to assist students across the disciplines.

 

Library & Learning Support Services

• Check out books, use computers, make a virtual library appointment, and get research help visit the SBVC Library or their website.

 

Academic Counseling Specialized Counseling and Services

• General Academic Counseling: In-person and online academic counseling appointments to help you choose classes, complete a degree plans.
• Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS): Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) provides comprehensive academic and support counseling, limited financial aid assistance, textbooks, and more to help you overcome financial needs, language barriers, and other academic challenges.
• Puente Project: The Puente Project’s goal is to increase the number of educationally underrepresented students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities to obtain their bachelor's degrees and return to the community as leaders and mentors of future generations.
• Success through Achievement and Retention (STAR/TRIO): STAR/TRIO provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their AA/AS degree.
• Umoja-Tumaini: The Umoja-Tumaini program is a learning community for students interested in learning about African-American history, literature, and culture. We are here to support you in completing your academic goals, whether it's earning a certificate or degree and/or transferring to a four-year college.

 

Veteran’s Resource Center

• The Veterans Resource Center (VRC) assists veterans and veteran families (spouse/dependents) with successfully transitioning into college and accomplishing their educational goals

 

Course Calendar:

All assignments are due on Sunday by 11:59 PM.  No late assignments accepted for Exam Assignments. No late assignments accepted after 12/21/25

Week 1 (Oct 20 – Oct 26)

• Reading/Review videos: Chapter 1
• Complete 0.0 – 0.3 Introduction assignments
• Chapter 1 quiz

 Week 2 (Oct 27 – Nov 2)

• Reading/Review videos: Chapter 2 – 4
• Chapter 2 – 4 quizzes

 Week 3 (Nov 3 – Nov 9)

• Reading/Review videos: Chapter 5 – 6
• Chapter 5 – 6 quizzes
• Complete Primary Source Discussion – Dynastic Empires

 Week 4 (Nov 10 – Nov 16)

• Reading/Review videos: Chapter 7 – 8
• Chapter 7 – 8 quizzes
• Complete Primary Source Discussion – Revolution
• Choose a person for Biography Assignment 1
• Complete Midterm Exam

 Week 5 (Nov 17 – Nov 23)

• Reading/Review videos: Chapter 9 – 10
• Chapter 9 – 10 quizzes
• Complete Historical Biographical Discussion 1

 Week 6 (Nov 24 – Nov 30)

• Thanksgiving Break – No assignments due

Week 7 (Dec 1 – Dec 7)

• Reading/Review videos: Chapter 11 – 12
• Chapter 11 – 12 quizzes

Week 8 (Dec 8 – Dec 14)

• Reading/Review videos: Chapter 13 – 14
• Chapter 13 – 14 quizzes
• Complete Primary Source Discussion – The World at War
• Choose a person for Biography Assignment 2

Week 9 (Dec 15 – Dec 21)

• Reading/Review videos: Chapter 15
• Chapter 15 quiz
• Complete Primary Source Discussion – Decolonization
• Complete Historical Biographical Discussion 2
• Complete Final Exam Note: semester technically ends 12/19 but I will still accept work up to 12/21.

* NO assignments will be accepted after December 21^st