understanding change and continuity over time, appreciating the importance of historical context, knowing how to interpret and critique primary and secondary sources, being able to construct arguments based on historical evidence, understanding the varieties of approaches employed by historians, and integrating into the study of history methods employed in related disciplines.

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.

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 if 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 extra time to submit papers are possible in cases of excused absences.

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.
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-224 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 come late, please enter as quietly as possible and sit by the door.