450


Byzantine Mosaic, Church of St. Saviour in Chora	The Hagia Sophia

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Your mark in this course will be based on the following points.

1. Written Assignments: Three types of writing assignments are expected over the semester.

a. A major research paper, accounting for 60% of your grade, will be required. Students are expected to choose a topic related to the course, have it approved by me, and begin to pull the project together. Each student will submit a 1-2 page prospectus and tentative bibliography which clearly presents the question that the research project seeks to answer. The initial bibliography will use proper bibliographic format and contain at least ten sources. At least four progress reports will be scheduled by and for each student during the research/writing period, and a completed final draft will be collected in mid-November. Progress reports are to be scheduled in accordance with the dates listed below. The research paper is to be at least 20 pages in length, typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, and 1" margins. It should utilize at least 15 written sources, of which 2-3 are to be primary sources. No internet sources are to be used except with my permission, and that will only be given for primary source material. The paper should demonstrate a strong synthesis of the sources. Students are advised to read and follow the instructions found in Writing History Research Papers. Due dates for the prospectus and complete final draft are listed below. Students whose papers need only minor corrections may resubmit a final copy; this is due within 2 days after the student has given his/her formal presentation.

b. At the start of the semester, students are to submit, for the Herrin book, paragraph summaries that summarize the main points and arguments of each chapter in the book. What are the big ideas the author wants to communicate? Finally, the student will conclude the assignment with a paragraph that articulates three questions that he/she intends to pursue as possible research topics. The quality of the work for this activity will affect the final grade for the research paper described above.

c. Each student is to make an appointment with the reference librarian for a one-on-one conference regarding their research. This is designed to help the student get started on their research project. The student is to ask the reference librarian to send an email to me indicating that you have met with the librarian.

2. Participation: Because of the nature of this seminar, student preparedness and participation is essential. Failure to have read assignments or prepared presentations will have detrimental effects on the success of the class for each student. In fact, such failures may well result in a student being dropped from the class roster. Participation is defined as a readiness and eagerness to join conversation, ask questions, and generally be characterized as an active member. This will be continually monitored, thereby having positive or negative ramifications throughout the semester, and ultimately influencing the final grade.

3. Oral Presentations: Three oral presentations will be given by each student on the dates listed below.

a. The first and second oral presentations will be the first presentations on the topics of the students' papers and are to present the thesis of the paper, the major contours of the argument as it is formulated at that time, and a concise conclusion. Other material might include sources used. This is to include a PowerPoint presentation and should last about 15 minutes with time for questions at the end. These presentations will occur on the dates listed below. The quality of the work for this activity will affect the final grade for the formal presentation described below.

b. A formal presentation of the student’s research constitutes the final presentation. This will be held in the H-P auditorium before an audience of students, History Department faculty, and others from the college community. In this presentation, the student will present their research in a talk of 15-20 minutes in length with a full PowerPoint presentation supporting it and allowing for a brief period of questioning afterwards. The student is expected to prepare and distribute to the audience a brief overview of the project and bibliography. The grade for this exercise will rest on factors such as the clarity of the presentation, the appearance of the presenter, how the presenter handled questions, etc. Practice sessions have been planned and are required. Each student is expected to attend all the presentations. This exercise will account for 40% of the final grade.

COURSE POLICIES: Here you will find the attendance policy, make-up exam policy, office hours, etc.

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.

DATES TO REMEMBER