Syllabus History 301

Prof. Michael Markowski

Westminster  College

           Like the photo above, this course is about horizons. 

          People in the Early Modern Period began to see (and sometimes) experience new possibilities on their horizon -- possiblities for themselves, new ways of looking at the world, at themselves and their neighbors, new and radical political-economic-social plans -- new and attractive "mental space" appeared on the horizon and beckoned -- beckoned to them as (?) Homer's Sirens called sailors to their deaths on hidden reefs, or beckoned to them as an angel showing the way to an earthly paradise.... however you may come to interpret the evidence, the new horizon called to all in Early Modern Europe!

          Our study of history will explore these new horizons.  From elite Renaissance ideas to Reformation changes that reached hearth and home, from the emergence of a scientific materialism to the birth and growth of (tumors?) colonialism, technology, slavery, democracy, tyranny, world trade, mass-

production, liberalism-as-an-"ism" along with its counter-part, conservatism. Many more 'isms' than these had colored this period in rich promise and exciting possibility. Some possibilites were realized, some not, many had unintended consequences...

      To become familiar with developments in society and art, in the politics, religions, philosophies, economies, literature as well as the significant ideas produced by Early Modern Europe;

      To understand the methods historians employ, and to use them in our class (and beyond);

     To inquire into some of the greatest pieces of western literature with a critical frame of mind;

    To try to make sense out of the turbulent Early Modern Era -- and how as rational beings, we can deal with and benefit from a historical exploration of this sometimes chaotic, often revolutionary and very influential era that produced our own age;

     To gain a sense that we all participate in the family of humanity, and that learning about the history of this family can teach us much about ourselves, and so deepen our individual 'Life of the Mind'.

Christine de Pisan, Treasure of the City of Ladies.

Candide, Voltaire.

G.M. Trevelyan, The English Revolution.

Frankenstein, Mary Shelly.

Grades are drawn from a Mid-term exam (20%), Final exam (30%), a Term Paper (30%), and Discussions (20%). Click for more on the paper.

          Regular attendance is important, and for the discussion grade, necessary. HIST 301 is a Westminster College upper-division History course carrying 3 credits.

   MTWTh 8:45-10

       Office Hours are in my office at Foster 419  (832-2391). -- mm mail

Markowski Homepage

History 301 meets in
CONV 209,  on MW,
From 12:00 to 1:15 PM.

Sep 3:  What is Medieval? What is Classical? My turn. Next class is your turn; come prepared to present & discuss.

Readings: Christine de Pisan's Treasure, and anything linked anywhere here.

13: Science, Politics, Religion: Why the hostilities between & among? What areas of agreement?

      22:    Realities: King James I vs Philip Mornay -- Puritans -- English Bill of Rights

Readings: English Revolution, ch. 2

       17: Discuss Candide; Begin Frankenstein

How does the book Frankenstein fit the various contexts before us?

27: Terror & Counter-Revolution: Brinton's Boomerange, chapters 5 & 7

Readings: Find 'em, Bring or Cite 'em, Review 'em, Present 'em.