Recommended volumes are found at Library East & the Science Library

1. Completion and comprehension of assigned readings and lectures.
2. Attendance and participation in class lectures and discussions is mandatory. Please be certain to understand this basic course requirement. In addition there be unannounced quizzes {Approximately 20%} and class attendance will be monitored.
3. Mid-Term Exam: Thursday, 29 May 2008 (30%) Written in-class 'Blue-Book' Essay Exam. Please see the WebSite for guidelines and suggestions in preparing for this exam.
4. Take-home Essay: Nota Bene: Due 12.00 Noon Thursday, 19 June 2008 (c. 50%) in History Main Office (025 Keene-Flint Hall). Written take-home essay: This Essay exam is limited to 1000 words, the equivalent of five {5} typed pages, double spaced, typed {no binders please: Kindly staple securely}. Please see the WebSite for suggestions in preparing and writing this essay. Students should retain a photocopy for backup purposes. If you wish to have your essay returned, kindly supply a large manilla envelope (9x12) with the appropriate postage and address. I will arrange for a Special Federal Agent to return your essay and final course grade.
5. Optional Term Papers: 15-page research essay; due no later than 12.00 Noon, Friday, Week V. The optional paper provides extra credit and can add as much as one letter to the final course grade. The paper is non compulsory; no one is penalized for not choosing this option. The term paper allows interested students to pursue a course topic in greater detail or to identify an area not treated in this general survey course of readings and lectures. Consider carefully whether you have sufficient time to do a proper job. The Optional Paper should represent a solid and rewarding effort. It is possible that your time would be better directed to the required readings which increase in quantity, subtlety, and significance as the course aims at the Last Take-home Essay. Please consult the WebSite for details regarding topic selection, approval, submission timetables, and suggestions about research and writing. As always, students should take advantage of Office Hours for consultation.

Themes & Topics
The legacy of the ancients
The Medieval World Picture
Aristocratic culture
Medieval intellectual life
Revival of town life
The Waning of the Middle Ages
National monarchies
Political disputes, parliments, autonomy
Why a Renaissance?
Humanism, Greek & Latin
Copernicus and All That
Ancients versus Moderns
Reformation, Luther, Individual choice
Religious wars
Galileo, Science, Religion
Sectarian radicalism
Witchcraft
Descartes & the Mechanical Philosophy
The Printing Press
The Century of Genius
The New Science
French civil wars
English thought & culture
France's Golden Age
The Age of Louis XIV, The Sun King
Consumer Culture
Between Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment
The Newtonian World Machine
The Encyclopedie
The Public Sphere
Votaire and Rousseau
Who invented Equality?
The French Revolution

Plotting Our Course
What is History? What's a periodization?
Ancient and Early Medieval Legacies
The Birth of the Middle Ages - Between What?

Readings for this Week : Acquaint yourself with all required books. Begin: Kishlansky, et al., Civilization in the West; self-paced, continue to end. Begin Lynn White, Medieval Technology & Social Change.

For the course generally, become acquaintted with this Website beginning with Teaching Resources; then check out the remainder, especially sections on Maps and Chronology. Start making your own timelines.

Discussion Topic: Who cares about history?

The Medieval Worldview
The Aristotelian & Christian Synthesis
Medieval Technology & Social Change
The High Middle Ages - Universities & the Idea of Europs

Readings for this Week : Continue Kishlansky, et al., Civilization in the West; self-paced; Monday, finish Lynn White, Medieval Technology & Social Change; Monday, Begin Tillyard, The Elizabethan World Picture.

Discussion Topic: The World is One and my place is certain.

M: NO CLASS: Memorial Day
Renaissance
Reformation
Wars of Religion
Humanism & Science

Readings: Continue Kishlansky, et al., Civilization in the West; self-paced; Monday, finish Tillyard, The Elizabethan World Picture; Monday, Read Butterfield, Chpt. 1, The Origins of Modern Science.

MID-TERM-REVIEW: Come prepared for Q&A and Discussion.
Mid-Term Study Sheet: Click
Readings: Review and study all readings and notes

MID-TERM EXAM: Thursday : Bring Blue Exam Booklet(s). Again: Please see the WebSite for guidelines and suggestions in preparing for this exam. How to take a Blue-Book Exam.

F : NO CLASS: Recuperate
Readings: Continue Kishlansky, et al., Civilization in the West; self-paced; continue Butterfield, The Origins of Modern Science.

Return & Review of Mid-Term Exams - Attendance Required
Copernicus - The New is Old
The Scientific Revolution - Concept & Periodization
Galileo & All That
The Age of Louis XIV
The Printing Press

Readings: Continue Kishlansky, et al., Civilization in the West; self-paced; Continue Butterfield (1/2), The Origins of Modern Science.

Discussion Topic: Life, Life Expectacy, Literacy; All is in pieces, All coherence gone ....

The Age of Reason
The Nation State
The Newtonian World Machine
Cosmopolitanism & Intellectuals
Printing & the People

Readings: Continue Kishlansky, et al., Civilization in the West; self-paced; Monday, finish Butterfield, The Origins of Modern Science.

Discussion Topic: The lean clean fighting machine - the World is One, again.

WEEK VI: 16-18 June [Last Essay Exam Due: Thursday, 19 May]

The Enlightenment - Idea or Lived Reality?
The Philosophes & the Encyclopedie
Revolution - French & American
Liberty, Freedom, Justice for All? - What sort of thing is equality?

Readings: Finish Kishlansky, et al., Civilization in the West through the French Revolution by Monday;
Re-read all class-notes; review all assigned readings.

Discussion & Review: Toward Synthesis and or Revolution or and / - = . .

Remember the Beginning: 'What is Expected - What do I Need to Know?' - A Fair Question!