History 611C Fall 2004
Wednesdays 3:00-5:30 Sakamaki A201
Dr. Karen Jolly
Sakamaki A408 956-7673
kjolly@hawaii.edu http://www2.hawaii.edu/~kjolly
office hours: Mondays 1:30-3 p.m., Thursdays 9-11 a.m., or by appointment
Content:
This reading seminar will introduce graduate students with a major or minor field in European history to the field of medieval studies. Initial readings and assignments cover tools and methods used by medievalists. Subsequent weeks will focus on historiography and specific themes and issues in medieval history.
Grading:
Attendance and participation in seminar discussion (10%), oral presentations (20%) and written reviews (70%).
Guidelines:
- Participation means engaging in dialogue with students in the seminar by listening to others’ arguments attentively, asking thoughtful or helpful questions, and offering new insights or information to further our understanding of the material and issues under discussion.
- Oral presentations should focus on the main argument and contribution of the assigned reading, highlighting what other students should know about the work, with a particular focus on its historiography. The presentation should include 7-10 minutes of summary and then open-ended questions to get the discussion going.
- Written reviews should focus on analyzing the book’s contribution to medieval historiography. Only a brief summary of the book’s content is necessary, in the context of discussing the author’s approach. The review should highlight the author’s purpose and audience, arguments and theoretical framework, organization and use of evidence, as well as the book’s relevance to issues in the study of medieval Europe. Format should follow standard reviews as found in professional journals (see AHR and Speculum). 3-5 pages double-spaced, typed should be sufficient. Please bring copies for every student so that each can benefit from what you read. If you are unable to make copies, email your paper as an attachment to me in the morning and I will make copies.
Books:
- Howell, Martha and Walter Prevenier, From Reliable Sources: An Introduction to Historical Method (Ithaca, NY: Cornell, 2001).
- Little, Lester K. and Barbara H. Rosenwein, eds., Debating the Middle Ages: Issues and Readings (Oxford: Blackwell, 1998).
- Van Engen, John, ed., The Past and Future of Medieval Studies (Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1994).
Online Resources:
9/9/04