Syllabus H112-01

Prof. Michael Markowski

Westminster  College

History Program

Spring Term, 2006

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     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.

 

 

 

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     Thurs 9-10; Friday 10-2

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

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History 112-01 meets in
CONV 101,  on MW,
From 12:00 to 1:15 PM.

Calendar     

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  
           Jan 9: Introduction to History 112; Assignment:
        Read & think about these three: Sherman pp.xvii-xix, Kagan 5-6, and this linked text:
        Prepare to discuss in our next class:  What is similar and what is different about each approach to history?
      11: What is history? How do you do it? K37-48; Sherman, 23-52

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

      18: Classical Sparta; K51-60; For next class, Pericles: Eunomia? Arete?

      23: Classical Athens; K61-97;  For next class, the Mytilenan Debate; Discuss Arete
      25: Delian League; Discuss Mytilene, Democracy in Athens; Early Roman Values
      30: All Roads lead to ....  K111-143, Sherman to p.80; Plutarch's Cato: Conservative?
 Feb 1: Roman Republis: Origins; K111-143; Plutarch's Tiberius: Liberal?

        6: Republic of Rome: Development; Discuss Cato & Conservatism Photo-Essay: Ancient Pompeii

        8: Republic: Crisis; K166-183; Discuss Tiberius & Liberalism
      13: Death of a Republic; Rise & Nature of Christianity; K166-183
      15: Romans & Christianity; Review
      22: Mid-Term Exam
   MEDIEVAL CIVILIZATION   
Mar 6: Collapse & False Starts; K195-220; Sherman, 92-128
       8: Monasticism, Church & the Fragmented, Demented World
Richer's Trip to school in Chartres
      13: Feudalism, K221-5
      15: Gov't, Economy, Society: Toward a Definition; K230-5; Glimpses of Medieval Life: Luttrell Psalter at the BL
      20: The Gregorian Reform: Emperor Henry IV vs Pope Gregory VII; K236-40
      22: The First Crusade; Five Sources to Discuss on Cause(s) -- See below for particulars
      27: Crusade Discussion; Subsequent dev't ; Begin Beroul;
      29: Feudalism Discussion; K271-8; Click for a Photo-Essay on Gothic Architecture & Monastic Life
 Apr  3: Beroul's Tristan & Yseult
        5: The Twelfth Century: Master Key to Wisdom, Politics & Gender
      10: Discussion of Beroul: Dark Ages? Begin reading Christine
    RENAISSANCE   
      12: Transition to Renaissance; K290-309, Sherman, 159-171
      17: Renaissance Humanism; Paper is due. Pico della Mirandola
      19: Discuss the Renaissance (Cf. Sherman 169-171)
      24: Review -- Helpful Study Hints
Final Exam:

 

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 March 8, 2006 

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