- Classes. Please consult regularly the an enhanced version of this syllabus <http://ux1.eiu.edu/~nekey/syllabi/3100.htm>. Generally, I lecture on Tuesday and we discuss texts on Thursday (read Sources and Debates before and bring to class on day assigned). Any revisions to this syllabus will be limited, will be for pedagogical reasons (changes in due dates, readings, specific essay questions, review sheets), and will be announced in advance and posted on the web.
- Papers. His 3100 is designated writing-intensive (essays may be submitted for your Electronic Writing Portfolio; please contact me beforehand). One essay (5 pages, 15% of your grade) will ask you to analyze your document (presented as a group leader, see below) in context of other period documents, as well as biographical, dictionary, and secondary research. The second (7 pages, 20%) will contextualize sources on Revolutionary England (1640-60). The two focused and thoughtful essays should be typed, double-spaced, and use clear and consistent referencing (see citation guide).
- Participation. Participation is required (15%, based on your presentation as group leader as well as contribution to pre-assignments and discussion). [Extra credit (up to 5%) can be obtained by an optional extra essay on the final.] One specific participation assignment is as a group leader. You will choose or be assigned to a group. Before your group’s week, you will read one chapter of sources, select a few that you would be willing to lead, and post same list on http://earlymodernengland.blogspot.com/. I will then selection from these as to which document you will present. The group will then be responsible for presenting those documents to the class, by noting context (from EEBO, ODNB, OED, other documents, or historiography) and ask questions. (Think of discussion leaders as responsible for preparing the class for how those documents may be used on the Mid-Term.)
- Rules of Engagement. In order to keep us all on task and minimize distractions, let’s not read newspapers, study or write for another class, text, make, or receive phone calls, email or visit non-class-related sites during class time. Generally speaking, three or less absences will not adversely affect your participation grade. (Because it is participation I seek, I tend not to ask for nor receive excuse “notes” from various authorities.) If you are/will be absent, please consult the online syllabus first to see what was/will be covered. Your grade as a whole may suffer if your absences fall on the date of assigned reports or exams. There is, of course, no make-up for reports or the final. Other make-ups will be at my discretion. (Anyone with a documented disability should let me know in the first week or two of class so that we can make appropriate accommodations.) History department graduate students tutor in CH 2726. And ask me for questions and clarifications. I will talk about history virtually anytime.
- Exams. You must purchase at the University Bookstore, sign, and turn in all three exam books three classes a week before the first Mid-Term (that is by Sept. 22). No one may take the two in-class mid-terms (15% each) or the final (20%) without an exam book. First exam covers from about 1450 to about 1603; the second from about 1585 to 1642; the third 1640-1720. The mid-terms will consist primarily of statements based on factual narrative, brief interpretation, identifications, essays based on short excerpts from assigned documents, and mapping. The final includes excerpts and questions which elicit essays of synthesis and analysis. Improvement during the semester will mitigate disastrous performance early on.
- I use the following grade scale for tests and for your final grade.
last modified on
August 25, 2009