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Dr.
Richard R. Heiser HIST 380 – EARLY RUSSIA |
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Scythian Horseman |
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St. Basil's Cathedral |
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
READINGS:
Primary Text:
Martin, J. Medieval Russia, 980-1584
Collateral Texts:
Frye, Ibn Fadlan's Journey to Russia (New ed.)
Halperin, Russia and the Golden Horde
Perrie and Pavlov, Ivan the Terrible (New ed.)
It is expected that students will stay current in their reading of the primary text by keeping pace with the daily lectures.
Do you see the one who excels in their work? That one will stand before rulers.
~ Solomon
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Your mark in this course will be based on the following points.
1. Tests: A midterm and final exam will be administered during the semester on the dates noted below. Tests will be written exams. A study guide will be provided prior to the exams. Each test will count for 25% of the final grade.
2. Written Assignments: A total of two written assignments will be submitted over the course of the semester. Students are advised to read and follow the instructions found in Writing History Research Papers. Each assignment is to be typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, and 1" margins. The first paper counts for 15% of your grade while the third is 25%. Significant consideration will be given to those demonstrating improved writing skills over the course of the semester. Due dates are listed below.
Short Paper Assignment: Students are to choose a book on a topic relevant to the course and complete a book review of it. The book needs to be brought to me for approval. The assignment calls for you to create a thorough outline of the book as well as a paper that identifies the author's thesis and main arguments and provides several examples of the evidence that is presented to support the case. The paper should also contain an assessment of whether the argument is convincing and why.
Research Paper Assignment: Students are expected to choose a topic related to the course, have it approved by me, and begin to pull the project together early in the semester. By mid-October, students shall submit an informative and thorough outline of the paper, a bibliography properly formatted, and a first draft. Each student shall set a time within the following week to meet with me and come prepared to discuss the paper and the sources. To this meeting, students will bring a copy of the paper showing how they plan to change and improve the work. By late October, students will submit another draft and set up another meeting to review the paper before the final copy is submitted. Failure to meet the deadlines will result in substantial grade reductions. After revisions have been made, a paper of 8-10, doubled-spaced, typed, 12-point font, 1" margin pages will be submitted for my pleasurable reading. A minimum of 10 sources is expected with at least two of them being primary source material; encyclopedia/Wikipedia-type sources are strongly discouraged. Students are advised to read and follow the instructions found in Writing History Research Papers.
3. Oral Presentation: During the semester, each student will give an oral presentation that gives a synopsis of their research project. The oral presentation should last about 10 minutes allowing for time at the end for questions from the class. The objective is to create a class lecture and teach the class about your topic. Two days prior to the presentation, you are expected to meet with me to ‘rehearse’ the presentation. The oral presentation will count for 10% of the final grade and be based on organization, creativity, clarity of presentation, persuasiveness, and fulfillment of the assignment. Due to the nature of this assignment, little-to-no provision will be made for lateness.
4. Book/Reading Assignments: The class will read and discuss three books in class. For each book, discussion will center on what impressed the student most about the book, noting in particular how the book changed the student's understanding about the book's subject.
In addition, students will submit a well-written, 1-page synopsis according to the following guidelines:
The applicable synopsis will be brought to class the day the book is discussed and serve as a catalyst for class discussion. The paper will conform to the guidelines noted above and will be submitted for a grade using the 'check' system. The final assessment for each synopsis will also take into account the amount of discussion and participation the student exhibited. Any absence from discussion day makes it impossible for a 'check +' grade to be earned for that book. Each overall 'check +' grade on a set of synopses will be used to strengthen one of the lower grades earned on the exams and assignments described above.
5. HistoryHelps: The college's motto, Dum vivimus servimus, calls us to acts of compassion for those less fortunate than ourselves. We often forget that we all possess skills, knowledge, and passions from which others would benefit. To that end, HistoryHelps is designed to promote service so that other human beings have better lives. Should you choose to participate in HistoryHelps, you need to meet the following criterion:
You need to give considerable time in service to other humans.
You need to submit to me a proposal for review. This will include the plan for how and where you will serve and a note that indicates permission from a supervisor.
You need to have the supervisor write a report after your HistoryHelps project is completed stating the nature of your service to humanity, the number of hours you served, and the quality of the service rendered.
You need to write a one-page synopsis describing the impact your service had on those with whom you worked.
Should you meet these expectations, I will honor your efforts by either raising your final grade one full letter, or if you are earning an A in the course, I will exempt you from the final exam. The student who is failing the course may not use this as the means to earn a passing grade.
COURSE POLICIES: Here you will find the attendance policy, make-up exam policy, office hours, etc.
GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE:
I. Introduction
A.
Prehistory and Earliest Settlers
B.
Vikings
II. Kievan Russia
A.
Byzantines and Christianity
B.
Political Development
C. Problems
in the Steppe
III. Mongols and Russia
A.
Internal Weakness
B.
Russia under the Golden Horde
C. Suzdal
and the Squabbling Principalities
IV. Muscovite Russia
A.
Dominance of Other Princes
B. Liberation from the Horde but Threats from Poland-Lithuania
C. Ivan
the Terrible
D. Time
of Troubles
E.
Early Romanov Dynasty
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Additional reading in areas or aspects of history that interest you is an excellent way to expand your knowledge. The main text has suggested reading lists that I would recommend. Should you desire more books and articles on a particular topic than listed there, see me and visit the library.
PURSUE EXCELLENCE!
Excellence is Sorriness Leaving Your Life!
