Western Traditions

Hist 101 LA: History of Western Civilization (CS1A)
MWF 10:00 -10:50 a.m. TH 1:00 -1:50 p.m.

The History of Western Civilization is designed to define and follow the development of the Western Tradition. Beginning with the earliest known literature – a Sumerian tale of sex and violence - and moving through the Hebrews, Greeks, Romans, Christians and Medieval Europe, primary sources will be mined for their contributions to the ideas of power, justice, the good life, community and religion.

Cornerstone 1A Three hours.

This course places an emphasis on classroom discussion and students are invited to think out loud.
There are no secondary readings – only primary sources – which can be challenging but ultimately more rewarding.
While Western Civilization is the course’s subject, attention will also be given to the basics of historical methodology and critical thinking.
There are no tests! Student assessment is based on the quality of take home essays, short research assignments and class discussions.
Meets Cornerstone 1A

Meet Your Professor

Daryl Sasser
Instructor of History

I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After two years of graduate work in history and literature at Appalachian State University I failed to write an acceptable master’s thesis and moved on to teaching (at Simpson College). Having an abundance of persistence, I left the front of the classroom for its student side and earned a master’s degree in American Studies from the University of Southern Maine. I financed that degree by working in a library devoted exclusively to maps and cartography.

After another year of teaching (at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas) I began my doctoral work in American Religious History and the History of Christianity at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. (I have driven across the county several times – once in a U-Haul with an unhappy cat.) I am currently reading and writing about the Puritans in seventeenth century New England in an effort to finish my dissertation. When not teaching or doing dissertation work, I worry that I am not doing dissertation work and ruin any chance of being distracted, much less having fun.

Meet Your Destination Leader

Steven Ramsey

Hey everyone! I'm a Kansas City, Missouri native. I came to Simpson College last year with the help of the Carver Scholars Scholarship offered to me. I am currently attempting to triple major in Political Science, Economics with an emphasis on Financing, and Philosophy (We'll see how that works out!).

I also got very involved as soon as I got on campus, I was elected Freshman Class President, and I participated in the Campus Activities Board, Multicultural Student Awareness Club, Prexy Club, Residence Hall Association, College Democrats, and the Student Government Association. I'm also going to be CA in the freshman dorms, so I'll be constantly around the incoming class! I've become known around campus as the guy who absolutely loves politics - by the way, I am a die-hard Obama supporter!

I love to just be myself, and relax! I spend my excess time studying......studying......and studying. Any other spare time I usually play intramurals (Flag Football Champion), play Halo 3 (A bit nerdy I know), sleep when I can, go to Comedians, Bingo, etc! There is always something to do around Simpson! My biggest pastime is probably FACEBOOK. I implore you all to add me!!


	Summer Registration Fall Orientation Liberal Arts Seminar What is LAS? Summer Reading LAS Courses Resources
History of Western Civilization Hist 101 LA: History of Western Civilization (CS1A) MWF 10:00 -10:50 a.m. TH 1:00 -1:50 p.m. The History of Western Civilization is designed to define and follow the development of the Western Tradition. Beginning with the earliest known literature – a Sumerian tale of sex and violence - and moving through the Hebrews, Greeks, Romans, Christians and Medieval Europe, primary sources will be mined for their contributions to the ideas of power, justice, the good life, community and religion. Cornerstone 1A Three hours. This course places an emphasis on classroom discussion and students are invited to think out loud. There are no secondary readings – only primary sources – which can be challenging but ultimately more rewarding. While Western Civilization is the course’s subject, attention will also be given to the basics of historical methodology and critical thinking. There are no tests! Student assessment is based on the quality of take home essays, short research assignments and class discussions. Meets Cornerstone 1A Meet Your Professor Daryl Sasser Instructor of History I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After two years of graduate work in history and literature at Appalachian State University I failed to write an acceptable master’s thesis and moved on to teaching (at Simpson College). Having an abundance of persistence, I left the front of the classroom for its student side and earned a master’s degree in American Studies from the University of Southern Maine. I financed that degree by working in a library devoted exclusively to maps and cartography. After another year of teaching (at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas) I began my doctoral work in American Religious History and the History of Christianity at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. (I have driven across the county several times – once in a U-Haul with an unhappy cat.) I am currently reading and writing about the Puritans in seventeenth century New England in an effort to finish my dissertation. When not teaching or doing dissertation work, I worry that I am not doing dissertation work and ruin any chance of being distracted, much less having fun. Meet Your Destination Leader Steven Ramsey Hey everyone! I'm a Kansas City, Missouri native. I came to Simpson College last year with the help of the Carver Scholars Scholarship offered to me. I am currently attempting to triple major in Political Science, Economics with an emphasis on Financing, and Philosophy (We'll see how that works out!). I also got very involved as soon as I got on campus, I was elected Freshman Class President, and I participated in the Campus Activities Board, Multicultural Student Awareness Club, Prexy Club, Residence Hall Association, College Democrats, and the Student Government Association. I'm also going to be CA in the freshman dorms, so I'll be constantly around the incoming class! I've become known around campus as the guy who absolutely loves politics - by the way, I am a die-hard Obama supporter! I love to just be myself, and relax! I spend my excess time studying......studying......and studying. Any other spare time I usually play intramurals (Flag Football Champion), play Halo 3 (A bit nerdy I know), sleep when I can, go to Comedians, Bingo, etc! There is always something to do around Simpson! My biggest pastime is probably FACEBOOK. I implore you all to add me!!
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