2. Expectations of government and guaranteed political rights have a complex history; they are not natural or automatic features of civil society. We will examine how the idea of a king with responsibilities to the people emerged from tribal lordship, how documents that recorded rights came to be, and how representative institutions appeared. We will see what the limits of those responsibilities, rights and representations were, leading to an appreciation that institutions and concepts change over time even if the words we use for them do not.

3. Social institutions (e.g. marriage and the family) have histories and they change over time. Moreover, they are not the same for all people living in the same country at the same time. Such factors as gender, social status, age, and occupation need to be taken into consideration. We will examine many aspects of everyday life in medieval England with the intention of appreciating these crucial truths about society.

The historian, above all, seeks to understand the people of the past on their own terms, while at the same time identifying those ways in which the past can help us to understand ourselves and our world better. In this course, each student is an apprentice historian, doing the work of historians. In particular, we will focus on understanding change and continuity, interpreting primary sources, constructing historical arguments, and entering empathetically into the lives of past people. 

As with much in life, the first thing you need to do is show up. Attendance is always expected. (My attendance policy is explained below.) But just showing up isn't enough! Informed participation in all class discussions is essential to the process of active learning. The reading assignments on which discussions will be based are indicated in the calendar below. You will submit several brief “Three Minute Papers” (MP3s) which will be written during class time.  (These are described at the end of the syllabus.)  The MP3s, along with your participation in class (its quality, not its frequency) will be worth 20% of your final grade. There will be two exams: a midterm and a final. The midterm exam will be a night exam to allow for less time pressure. (Work schedules, evening labs, and other unavoidable conflicts will be accommodated.) These exams will collectively be worth 40%.  There will be two papers due, which will be worth 40% total.  You will have the option to revise the first paper for a higher grade, but not the second one. (Click here for the paper topics, expectations, and format.)

Fair warning: Failure to take both of the exams and submit both papers, or a pattern of failure to complete reading assignments, attend class, and/or engage in informed participation will result in an F for the course. If you have a problem, please see me before it becomes a crisis!

Everyone is allowed three absences--the equivalent of one week of class--without any negative consequences. You do not have to explain the reason for your absences to me, though I do appreciate the courtesy of advance warning (even ten minutes before class by phone or e-mail) so that I don't wait for you before beginning the day's activities. If you will miss more than three classes, to avoid a grade penalty you must document that the absences are required by illness or personal/family emergency, or participation in a college-sponsored activity. Please, don't be offended when I ask for documentation. (The supervising faculty member is required by college policy to provide you with a letter for your instructors spelling out the dates, times and details of necessary absences for such activities.) Make-up exams and extensions on papers are possible in cases of illness, family crisis, or college activity conflict.

1. The college's expectations concerning academic honesty, printed in the current academic catalog, are enforced in this class. Violations will result in my filing a report with the Dean's office and may result in a failing grade.
2. If you have a diagnosed learning disability or any health situation (physical or mental) that might have an impact on your ability to complete your assignments, it is your responsibility to let me know about it at the beginning of the semester. I will make every reasonable accommodation. Please contact Laurie Bickett (x6286) for necessary documentation.
3. Cell phones should be turned off during class. If you are expecting an urgent call, set the phone to alert you silently, and let me know that you may have to leave during class to take the call.
4. If you borrow course materials from me or the library, you are expected to return them unmarked and undamaged. You will not receive a grade for HIS-223 until all borrowed materials have been returned, or until damaged materials have been replaced.
5. Late arrival is sometimes unavoidable, and I would ordinarily prefer that you come late than not at all. However, late arrival is distracting and should be avoided. If it becomes a pattern, there will be unpleasant consequences--a grade reduction or being locked out of the class. If you do arrive late, please minimize distraction by sitting close to the door.
   

Making, 74-83
Asser's Life of Alf. (Moodle)

Making, 39-61, 86-90

Dyer, Making a Living, 13-70 Reader, 11-20

Late Anglo-Saxon England

Making, 84-6, 90-101
Bloodfeud, 1-57

Making, 108-15
Reader, 20-30
Bloodfeud, 58-85

FIRST PAPER DUE

No class today -- Fall Break

Edward I and the King's Parliament

Aristocracy in the High Middle Ages

Making, 352-60; Reader 374-9 and excerpts from Chronicles of the Revolution 1397-1400