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Syllabus H112-01 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. |
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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. |
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Sherman, D. Western Civilization, Vol 1. Beroul. Romance of Tristan & Iseult. Plutarch. Makers of Rome. |
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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 |
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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.
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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 |
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17: Sparta, a Greek Polis; Burns, K48-50, Herodotos & Sherman esp. 29-30 to discuss next class |
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18: Classical Sparta; K51-60; For next class, Pericles: Eunomia? Arete? |
| 23: Classical Athens; K61-97; For next class, the Mytilenan Debate; Discuss Arete |
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25: Delian League;
Discuss Mytilene, Democracy in Athens; Early
Roman Values
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30: All Roads lead
to .... K111-143, Sherman to p.80; Plutarch's
Cato: Conservative?
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Feb 1: Roman Republis: Origins; K111-143; Plutarch's
Tiberius: Liberal?
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6: Republic of Rome: Development; Discuss Cato & Conservatism Photo-Essay: Ancient Pompeii |
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8: Republic: Crisis;
K166-183; Discuss Tiberius & Liberalism
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13: Death of a Republic; Rise & Nature of Christianity; K166-183
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15: Romans & Christianity; Review
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| 22: Mid-Term Exam |
| Mar 6: Collapse & False Starts; K195-220; Sherman, 92-128 |
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8: Monasticism, Church & the Fragmented, Demented World
Richer's Trip to school in Chartres |
| 13: Feudalism, K221-5 |
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15: Gov't, Economy,
Society: Toward a Definition; K230-5; Glimpses of Medieval Life: Luttrell Psalter at the BL
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20: The Gregorian Reform:
Emperor
Henry IV vs Pope
Gregory VII; K236-40
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22: The First Crusade;
Five Sources
to Discuss on Cause(s) -- See below for particulars
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27: Crusade
Discussion; Subsequent dev't ; Begin Beroul;
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29: Feudalism Discussion; K271-8; Click for a Photo-Essay on
Gothic Architecture & Monastic Life
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Apr 3: Beroul's
Tristan & Yseult
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5: The Twelfth Century: Master Key to Wisdom, Politics & Gender
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| 10: Discussion of Beroul: Dark Ages? Begin reading Christine |
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12: Transition to
Renaissance; K290-309, Sherman, 159-171
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| 17: Renaissance Humanism; Paper is due. Pico della Mirandola |
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19: Discuss the Renaissance
(Cf. Sherman 169-171)
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24: Review -- Helpful
Study Hints
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Final Exam:
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