BOOK PAPERS: Students must submit four, one-page papers based on the books for the semester. After class discussion of each book, I will assign an essay question. A one-page paper (typed using a word-processing program (font size 10 or 12 only), double-spaced, one-inch margins with name and date at the top left of the page) will be due the following class. I will not read beyond one page. It is important that you begin your essay with an introduction and that you follow proper rules of English usage.
Before you submit your essay, you may wish to go to the Writing Center, or use the experimental campus Online Writing Lab for assistance. If your paper shows that you implemented the tutor's comments, you will receive an extra four (4) points. Upon return of your paper, you may re-write your essay, taking into consideration my comments, and resubmit it the following class (along with the original) for an additional four (4) points.
Students may receive the grade of "R" on a paper which means that a rewrite is required.
ARTICLE ABSTRACT: This is a one-page paper that summarizes the contents of an article from a major historical journal. The article that you choose to summarize must be at least ten pages in length and cannot refer to American history. Suggested journals for articles include: American Historical Review, Journal of European Economic History, Journal of the History of Ideas, Journal of Modern History, Journal of Social History, Past and Present, Russian Review and Slavic Review. If you have any doubts about a selection, please contact me.
Your summary (typed using a word-processing program (font size 10 or 12 only), double-spaced, one-inch margins with name, date and bibliographic citation at the top left of the page) should concisely summarize the contents of the article and indicate the author's thesis. The same points apply about using the Writing Center and resubmitting your essay. Please see the examples in the course packet.
WEBSITE EVALUATION: This is a one-page paper that summarizes and evaluates the contents of a single web site that is relevant to one of the course topics listed on the syllabus. The site that you choose to evaluate must refer to World (not U.S.) history after
1600 CE and should consist of at least five pages of text and graphics. If you have any doubts about a selection, please contact me.
Your evaluation (typed using a word-processing program (font size 10 or 12 only), double-spaced, one-inch margins with name, date and complete http citation at the top left of the page) should concisely summarize the contents of the web site, indicate the author's purpose (thesis) and reliability and evaluate the usefulness and accuracy of the site. The same points apply about using the Writing Center and resubmitting your essay.
MIDTERM EXAM: The midterm exam will consist of four parts: map quiz (25 points); five identification questions (25 points); surprise question (50 points) and take-home essay (100 points). For the exam, you will receive a blank map and be asked to locate items from the list of map items. The identification items will be taken from class notes and the textbook. In a few sentences you will be asked to completely identify a historical term and note its importance (See the examples.). The surprise question will be a surprise. The essay will be assigned on the class day before the exam. On the day of the exam, you will come to class with your finished essay (typed using a word-processing program (font size 10 or 12 only), double-spaced, one-inch margins, two-three pages). The same points apply about using the Writing Center and resubmitting your essay.
FINAL EXAM: The final exam will consist of the take-home essay (100 points), map quiz (25 points), ten identification items (25 points) and a surprise question (50 points).
OPTIONAL EXTRA CREDIT PRESENTATIONS: On the last day of class, students may present to the class reports on important, historical figures for extra credit of a possible 50 points per report. These reports, delivered to the class, usually last ten to fifteen minutes in length. Students must schedule their report by 15 November. Consult your instructor for further information.