MMW 12 - Section B11/B12 - Course Policy and Requirements

Sep 4, 2026

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MMW 12: Classical and Medieval Traditions (6 credits) outlines course aims for the development of classical empires into medieval forms across China to the West between ca. 100 BCE and 1200 CE, alongside the rise of Christianity, Islam, and Mahayana Buddhism. It emphasizes writing an academic argument essay through critical thinking and source engagement. The document details section objectives, learning outcomes, mandatory attendance and participation rules, grading distribution, and requirements for letter grades, homework, quizzes, and structured writing assignments with a strict late-policy and submission process.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Course Overview

Course Objective

Section Objective

Learning Outcomes

Letter Grade and Enrollment Requirement

Attendance, Participation, and Section Requirements

Homework, Quizzes, and In-Class Work

Piazza Discussion

Grading

Writing Assignments and Late Policy

MMW 12: Classical and Medieval Traditions (6 credits) Lecturer: Ben Van Overmeire Track [B] Section [B11] and [B12] TA: Rosana Womack Office: MMW TA Suite, Desk \# 32 Office Hours: Monday, 9:30-11:30 (also available by appointment) Email: [rwomack@ucsd.edu](rwomack@ucsd.edu) or [rwomack67@gmail.com](rwomack67@gmail.com) [The energy of the mind is the essence of life.](The energy of the mind is the essence of life.) --Aristotle Course Objective: Covering ca. 100 BCE to 1200 CE, MMW 12 examines the development of classical empires from China to the West, their collapse, and their transformation into distinct medieval forms. It also examines the rise and spread of Christianity, Islam, and Mahayana Buddhism. This course is the first of two writing-intensive quarters in the MMW sequence and teaches the skill of writing an academic essay that makes an argument based on critical thinking and engagement with sources. Section Objective: The purpose of section is to improve your understanding of and engagement with the course content by giving you an opportunity to exercise critical thinking, writing, reading, studying, listening, and speaking skills in a small, supportive group led by a knowledgeable guide. When you successfully complete this course, you will be better able to: • Articulate how classical empires become medieval ones, how major world religions develop in the process, and how multiple factors shape broad cultural changes • Interpret and analyze course material in its historical context, developing ideas in dialogue with course readings and lectures • Write coherent academic argument essays that address a significant issue; ask a specific, open-ended arguable question; answer the question by making a claim and backing it up with sufficient, relevant, specific, compelling evidence; consider and rebut counterarguments; demonstrate significance of the argument; and accurately cite sources in MLA format • Know the difference between primary and secondary sources and how to use them in academic writing • Engage in substantive and respectful discussion of course concepts with peers Letter Grade Requirement: You must take MMW courses for a letter grade. If you have selected Pass/No Pass as a grading option for MMW 12, you should immediately change your option to letter grade, or you will not fulfill the ERC General Education Requirement and will have to take MMW 12 again. Attendance, Participation, and Section Requirements: Regular attendance and participation in section is mandatory. Students who miss 5 sections—excused or unexcused--will fail section. Students who miss 7 sections—excused or unexcused--will fail the course. Any absence can lower your grade. You must arrive on time and be prepared to discuss and write about course material. Consistent tardiness will lower your grade. You are REQUIRED to bring all relevant material (including lecture notes, homework assignments, and readings) to the section each week. We will be working with this material hands-on in the classroom. In order to participate successfully, you will need to be prepared. Bring your lecture notes and assigned readings to section each week. For each section meeting, you will be responsible for readings and material assigned for all lectures that have already taken place. Dialogue and even disagreements are encouraged, provided they are done so respectfully. I understand that speaking in a group setting is more difficult and at times uncomfortable for some people. For this reason, this term we will be using Piazza to facilitate and encourage outside class discussion. The system is highly catered to getting you help fast and efficiently from classmates, the instructor, and myself. Although I will give participation points to students who utilize Piazza, I will give considerably more points to students who participate during inclass discussions. Homework, Quizzes, In-Class Work: I may assign homework

FAQs

What time period and themes does MMW 12 cover?

MMW 12 covers ca. 100 BCE to 1200 CE and examines how classical empires develop into medieval forms, including the spread of Christianity, Islam, and Mahayana Buddhism.

What are the attendance consequences for missing sections or course participation?

Regular attendance in section is mandatory. Missing 5 sections results in failing section, and missing 7 sections results in failing the course; absences may lower grades.

How do writing assignments work, and what is the late policy?

Students must complete three structured writing assignments. Papers must be submitted both as hard copies and electronically; late papers lose one-third of a letter grade per day, including weekends.

Sep 4, 2026

Upload by Asher