Syllabus

HIST 112-02

 

 

Fall Term, 2005

History Program

Westminster  College

Prof. Michael Markowski

HIST 112-02
   

 

 

 

     We will explore the history of Western Civilization from the Classical World of the Greeks and Romans through the Medieval and Renaissance periods. We will use lecture and essay-writing approaches in tandem with regular discussions about the readings.

     Our study of history deals with many significant people, movements and events, and we will evaluate ideas generally held about them. We will also consider a few of the lesser-known aspects of history -- which might prove to be the most fascinating and valuable.

 
 

 

      To become familiar with developments in society and art, in the politics, religions, philosophies, economies, literature as well as the significant ideas produced by Western Civilization;

      To understand the methods historians employ, and to use them in our class (and beyond);

     To inquire into some of the greatest pieces of western literature with a critical frame of mind;

     To gain a sense that we all participate in the family of humanity, and that learning about the history of this family can teach us much about ourselves.

 
 

     Kagan, et al. The Western Heritage.

     Sherman, D. Western Civilization, Vol 1.

                                          Beroul. Romance of Tristan & Iseult.

                                          Plutarch. Makers of Rome.

 
 

Grades are drawn from a Mid-term exam (20%), Final exam (30%), a Term Paper (30%), and Discussions (20%). Click for more on the paper.

          Regular attendance is important, and for the discussion grade, necessary. HIST 112 is a Westminster College Liberal Education course carrying 3 credits.

 
 

 

 

 

Clickable Email

       Tues 10-12;   F 11-2.

       Office Hours are in my office at Foster 419  (832-2391).

Markowski Homepagemm home

 

 

History 112-02 meets in
CONV B18,  on MW,
From 12:00 to 1:15 PM.

 
This schedule is tentative and subject to change (probably within minutes!) depending upon the progress and interests of the class. Sherman readings will be assigned as we go forward.
   THE CLASSICAL WORLD  
Aug 31 Introduction to History 112; Kagan 5-6, and the linked text below

Sep 6 (Academic Monday) Collingwood; K37-48; Sherman, 23-52

Sep 7 Classical Sparta, a Greek Polis;
Burns, K48-50, Herodotos & Sherman esp. 29-30 to discuss next class

Sep 12 Historical Sparta? K51-60; For next class, prepare Pericles: Eunomia?  Arete?

Sep 14 Classical Athens; K61-97, Mytilenean Debate; Discuss Arete; The Persian View
Sep 19 Delian League; Discuss Mytilene, Democracy in Athens; Early Roman Values
Sep 21 All Roads lead to ....  K111-143; Plutarch's Cato: Conservative?
Sep 26 Roman Republis: Origins; K111-143; Plutarch's Tiberius: Liberal?

Sep 28 Republic of Rome: Development; Discuss Cato & Conservatism

Photo-Essay: Ancient Pompeii

Oct 3 Republic: Crisis; K166-183; Discuss Tiberius & Liberalism
Oct 5 Death of a Republic Births a Dictatorship
Oct 10 Rise & Nature of Christianity; K166-183
Oct 12 Romans, Empire & Christianity
Oct 17 Review
Oct 19 Mid-Term Exam
   MEDIEVAL CIVILIZATION   
Oct 24 Collapse & False Starts; K195-220
Oct 26 Feudalism, Monasticism, Church; K221-5; Richer's Journey to Chartres' School
Oct 31 Gov't, Economy, Society: Toward a Definition; K230-5
Nov 2 Gregorian Reform: Emperor Henry IV vs Pope Gregory VII; K236-40
Nov 7 The First Crusade; Five Sources to Discuss on Cause(s)
Nov 9 Crusade Discussion; Just War Theory
Nov 14 Feudalism Discussion ; K271-8; Begin Beroul; Click for a Photo-Essay on Gothic Architecture & Monastic Life
Nov 16 The Twelfth Century: Education, Politics & Gender
Nov 21 Discussion of Beroul: Dark Ages?
    RENAISSANCE   
Nov 28 Beroul, Abelard and the Question(s)
Nov 30 Transition to Renaissance
Dec 5 Renaissance Humanism; Pico della Mirandola
Dec 7 Discuss Renaissance: Medieval or Modern? Paper is due
Dec 12 Final Review -- Helpful Study Hints
Final Exam: Tuesday, Dec 20 from 12:00 to 1:50 PM

  home     For more on help and tips on writing history papers, click the mm logo (to my homepage) and check out the two links at the top when you arrive.
 

 

Westminster College

        Westminster College seeks to provide equal access to the college's programs, services, and activities to people with disabilities as defined by the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you have a disability for which you will need accommodations in this class, please let the instructor know as soon as possible. You will also be required to provide documentation of your disability to the Services for Students with Disabilities program in the START Center (Carleson Hall, 832-2590) visits. Last updated December 6, 2005

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