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Description of Paper Assignments (2 papers)
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The first paper, due on Feb. 2, should analyze the argument or
interpretation of the book Restoration, Revolution, Reaction: Economics and
Politics in Germany, 1815-1871 by Theodore S. Hamerow. This paper must be at
least 5 pages in length double-spaced, 12-point type -- that in which this
description is written -- or the equivalent length in another format). The
analysis should be done on the basis of the student's general knowledge and
reasoning, informed by the material of textbook and lectures to date. This
analysis does not require additional outside reading, but such additional
reading is welcome if a student chooses to do so; results of such reading may be
used in the paper. A mere summary of the book by Hamerow is not acceptable;
papers that merely summarize or paraphrase the book will receive lower grades. A
separate handout will describe various ways in which an acceptable analysis
might be undertaken. |
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The second
paper, due on March 9, should use one of the two
following novels to develop a portrait of one or more aspects of
nineteenth-century life depicted in the novel, or to develop an explanatory
historical analysis that uses the novel as its main source:
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Elizabeth Gaskell. Mary BartonEmile Zola. Germinal |
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The student should think of this assignment as an attempt to write
a short history of the aspect or aspects chosen by the student, using the novel
as the main primary source. This paper must be a minimum of 7 pages in length
(double-spaced, 12-pointtype or equivalent length). Here too, a mere summary or
paraphrase of the novel is not acceptable. Another handout will describe this
assignment in more detail. The handout will provide suggestions for short
additional readings to facilitate the application of the novel to history; these
additional readings are not, however, required for completing the assignment.
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Advice to the student: For this assignment, you must read one of
the above novels in its entirety. Both novels, while extremely engaging, are
also very long and requiring immersion in the language and thought process of
the author, which may be unfamiliar to you and therefore initially
time-consuming. The instructor's advice is NOT to wait to begin reading the
novel after mid-term, but to begin reading it immediately, from the outset of the
course (the subject matter, incidentally, relates to several themes that will be
addressed early in the course, hence reading the novel early in the term will
help you better to appreciate course lectures and readings).Plan your schedule
of reading the novel for the entire term, assigning yourself so many chapters or
pages per week, according your own reading speed and concentration. |
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Description of Examinations (Mid-term, Final)
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Both examinations for this course (mid-term examination on Feb. 4,
final examination on March 16) will be in-class examinations based on
class lectures and assigned readings. The main portion of both exams will be of
the essay type. There will be choice of questions to answer on the exam; a
review guide, which will include some of the essays that will appear on the
actual exam, will be distributed in advanceof the exam. Questions for the
mid-term examination will be based upon all lectures and assigned readings
through Week 4. Questions for the final examination will be based upon all lectures and assigned readings
for the entire term. Please bring your own examination books (which can be
purchased at the university bookstore) on which to write your exams. |
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