History (HIST) 215

Overview

This course introduces distance learning students to the study of European history at the university level by surveying the most significant political, economic and social trends in European history from the ancient times to the early eighteenth century. Through studying a textbook and study guide, students learn about the ancient Greeks and Romans, Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation, and the rise of early modern European empires. The purpose of the course is to provide both a description and an explanation of the events that established European civilization by the Early Modern Period and shaped the world in which we live today. Students also study and practice the reading, research and writing skills necessary for success in university and beyond.

Outline

History 215: Europe: Ancient to Early Modern is divided into twelve units as follows:

• Unit 1: Introduction
• Unit 2: Ancient Greece, c. 500 to 30 BCE
• Unit 3: Ancient Rome, c. 500 BCE to c. 500 CE
• Unit 4: Post-Roman Europe, c. 500 CE to c. 750 CE
• Unit 5: Early Medieval Empires, c. 750 to 1000 CE
• Unit 6: The High Middle Ages I, c. 1000 to c. 1300
• Unit 7: The High Middles Ages II: Political Communities, c. 1000 to c. 1300
• Unit 8: The Late Middle Ages: Christendom Shaken, c. 1300 to 1500
• Unit 9: The Renaissance and Reformation, c. 1350 to c. 1550
• Unit 10: States and Capitalism
• Unit 11: Wars of Religion and the Scientific Revolution, c. 1550 to c. 1650
• Unit 12: Absolutism and the Limits of Early Modernity, c. 1650 to 1750

Evaluation

To receive credit for HIST 215, you must achieve a minimum of 50 percent on the final examination and a minimum composite course grade of “D” (50 percent). The chart below summarizes the course activities and the credit weight associated with each.

The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbooks

Other Materials

Other course materials are presented online, including a Course Manual, a 12 unit Study Guide, five skills modules, short online quizzes and optional self-quizzes.

Challenge for Credit Course Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university level course.

Full information for the Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Policy
• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Procedures

Challenge Evaluation

To receive credit for the HIST 215 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least “D” (50 percent) on the examination.

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form