Section 025, 12:30-1:45 TTh, CH 118
Mr Lehmann
Office Hours: 11:00-12:00 TTh
East Hall 210, 677-5573, clehmann@usd.edu
[http://www.usd.edu/~clehmann]
This is the second of a two-part survey of Western Civilization and introduces students to some of the leading figures, ideas, and events of the modern world. It also exposes students to the concerns and methods of historical inquiry through lectures, analysis and discussion of selected texts, and writing of short papers. The goal of this course is for the student not only to acquire historical information but also to learn through example (lectures, textbook) and practice (discussions, essay examinations, papers) a historical/critical method of thought and expression.
Students must read all assignments, attend every lecture, take notes, participate in discussions, and secure this syllabus and all handouts--which contain chronological and geographical background to the lectures and readings--from the instructor's web page. In addition, each student writes five mini-themes of one to two pages. Students who expect to miss more than three meetings should see the instructor within the first week. A set of study questions, also available on-line, will assist the student preparing for examinations.
The first midterm exam takes place 13 Feb, covering parts seven and eight of the course, another 27 Mar, covering parts nine through ten, and the final exam 9 May, covering part eleven. Exams consist of one long and a choice of two out of three short essay questions; the final exam includes a comprehensive essay question. Each student will write a mini-theme on a choice of suggested topics for each reading due on the assigned date during discussion of the topics. The first and second midterms count 50 points each, the final 75, and the mini-themes 100 points (20 points each), for a total of 275 possible points.
275-248 |
A |
Students who wish to arrange another method of evaluation should see the instructor within the first two weeks. By all means consult the Top 10 Ways to Lower Your Grade in Humanities.
Kate L Turabian. A Manual for Writers. 6th ed. Chicago: Univ of Chicago Press, 1996. 0226816273
Each mini-theme should be between 250 and 500 words long (one to two pages), typewritten or carefully handwritten. It can earn up to 20 points as follows: 10 points for content (clarity of argument, familiarity with the work), 5 points for style (grammar, spelling, use of words), and 5 points for care in presentation. The instructor will return essays with special problems for rewriting. Try to work a week in advance; your instructor will gladly evaluate and mark up your first clean draft and return it to you for rewriting in time for the final submission.
Unless you make special arrangements in advance or have a medical or family emergency, you must participate in the discussion in order to receive credit for a given paper.
As you read the assignments keep all the suggested topics in mind and take notes. Then pick one topic and answer it carefully and concisely. Feel free to consult with fellow students and with your instructor as you prepare the assignments, but the result must be entirely your own. Be particularly careful to avoid plagiarism; you must give references for every idea or quotation you borrow as you construct your argument and you must enclose quotations in quotation marks. The instructor will drop with a failing grade any student who violates this basic principle of academic honesty.
See Turabian, Manual for Writers, for the proper way to indicate references. At the head of your paper write the title and your name and staple your sheets together.
A. Webster's Duchess of Malfi (21 January)
B. De Sévigné's Letters, 55-175 (4 Feb)
C. Swift's Gulliver's Travels (27 Feb)
D. Ibsen's Doll House (18 Mar)
E. De Beauvoir, The Second Sex, xix-xlii, 1-198, 253-63, 679-732 (30 Apr)
Click here for chronology sheet.
9 Jan |
Introduction: What is the Modern World? |
14 Jan |
Introduction and Chronology (bring chronology sheet) |
16 Jan |
Absolutism in France and Germany |
21 Jan |
The English Exception |
23 Jan |
The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment |
28Jan |
Introduction and Chronology (bring chronology sheet) |
30 Jan |
The French Revolution and Its Consequences |
4 Feb |
Discussion: De Sévigné's Letters |
6 Feb |
Nineteenth Century Economics |
11 Feb |
Slides: Early Modern Art and Architecture |
13 Feb |
First Midterm Examination |
18 Feb |
Introduction and Chronology (bring chronology sheet) |
20 Feb |
Liberalism and Nationalism |
25 Feb |
Socialism and Democracy |
27 Feb |
New Directions in Thought and Science |
11 Mar |
Imperialism |
13 Mar |
Introduction and Chronology (bring chronology sheet) |
18 Mar |
Bismarck's Germany Disc: Ibsen, Doll House |
20 Mar |
World War I |
25 Mar |
The Russian Revolution |
27 Mar |
Second Midterm Examination |
1 Apr |
Introduction and Chronology (bring chronology sheet) |
3 Apr | No Class |
8 Apr |
Totalitarianism |
10 Apr |
World War II |
15Apr |
Postwar Tensions: The Cold War |
22 Apr |
The Third World |
24 Apr |
No Class: Student History Conference |
30 Apr |
Discussion: De Beauvoir, The Second Sex |
1 May |
The Postmodern World; Slides |
Thur 9 May, 12:30-2:30 PM: Final Examination