Course Requirements and Assignments

• Final Paper - 45%
  • This paper will be at least 25 pages long, and address a subject of your choosing on the Middle Ages, pertaining (at least to some extent) to urban history. I will give you a longer handout on the paper on the first day of class.
  • Handout
  • Due on the day of the final exam (to be determined)
• Presentation - 10%
  • On the last two days , you will give an approximately 15 minute presentation on the subject of your final paper. It will need to be polished and strictly time-regulated. Expect 10 minutes of presentation and 5 minutes of questions.
  • Presentation Guide
• Book Reviews - 10% each
  • On any three of the seven days marked with an "R" from Feb. 27-April 24, write a 1000-word review on the piece. More information coming on the first days of class.
  • Book Review Guide
• Participation (and attendance) - 20%
• Participation is more than just showing up, but it starts with just showing up. You cannot participate if you are not here. We have only 12 class meetings. Missing ANY of them will result in severe penalties against your grade.
  • Excused absences - severe illness with doctor's note, death in the family, acts of God, or legitimate St. Olaf activities (i.e., choir tour, concert, sports event) will obviously not incur any direct penalty. However, if you aren't here, you cannot participate. Catching up will be very difficult. DON'T MISS CLASS!!!
• This class is a seminar. It only works if you do all the reading, think hard about the material, and come to class ready to discuss. You must be proactive in preparation, or our Monday nights will be long indeed. I will not bail you out if you have nothing to say, but it will effect your grade.
• To that end, every THURSDAY, you will post three discussion questions on the reading to the MOODLE account (still being set up) for the course. After posting, read your colleagues' posts and feel free to comment on the board, either before or after the class.
• Also, you will need to lead a discussion (perhaps with a partner) once over the semester. Readings will be assigned on the first day of class. On that day, come prepared to start, and run, the conversation.
  • Class leader guidelines
• When your peers give their presentations, you will be expected to listen attentively and ask questions.
• Your participation is a reasonably large percent of your grade. You will need to earn it. Take initiative. Do not expect to speak only when directly called upon and ace this section of the class.
• Finally, being late consistently may be counted as being absent. It will certainly lower your participation grade.