History
101
Dr. Dennis
THE
EVOLUTION OF WESTERN IDEAS AND INSTITUTIONS
TO THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY
The actual syllabus and schedule will only be made available to class members, at the time of the course. They will be accessible via Loyola's CourseConnect Web Site.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will investigate the main currents
of Western thought and culture from the ancient world to the seventeenth century.
While addressing social and political themes, we will more carefully
consider responses to these issues by leaders in intellectual and cultural
life. Using literary, philosophical and political texts, as well as visual
arts and music, we will study the major intellectual trends of the Western
tradition and attempt to determine their influence on society.
READING: To provide a basis for class discussion, the
following books are required reading.
Robert Lamm & Neal Cross, The Humanities in Western Culture, Volumes I and 2
Assignments should be read before coming to each
session. Through the semester, sources
in the form of handouts may be added to this list.
ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION: Attendance
at all sessions and participation in discussions are required and will be
graded.
DISCUSSIONS: This course will consist of tri-weekly discussion
sessions. After introductions to each
section of the course, I will ask two or three of you to present primary sources
for discussion. You should explain
how they (or some aspect of them) represent basic themes of the day’s topic.
Though required to consider all of them, you may present any of the
sources listed under your assigned thematic heading.
These mini-presentations will be prearranged during the first two sessions
of the semester. Performance on these
introductions will constitute part of your class participation grade.
Those not introducing materials are still responsible
for reading, looking at, or listening to them. You are always expected to contribute to discussion,
in response to the initial statements. General involvement in class discussions will also determine your
class participation grade.
WRITING: The primary activity involved in the study of History is expository writing. The discipline of History is therefore an excellent field for developing research and writing skills. This course will pay serious attention to the organization and composition of critical essays. All essays – whether for presentations (given orally) or written exams and term projects – must be structured thematically, with clear introductions, bodies, and conclusions according to the Outline Guidelines.
Proper style and good grammar are also essential elements of expository writing – not to mention academic and professional success. I suggest that you also purchase a college dictionary, a thesaurus, and an English style handbook. If you have questions about formatting, see guides by Kate Turabian on sale at any bookstore.
EXAMINATIONS: There will be a mid-term and a final examination.
The examinations will consist of identification and essay sections.
TERM PROJECT: You will write a five-page typed, double-spaced
paper, with foot- or end-notes. In
it you must analyze some aspect of one of the movements covered in the course.
Your paper must be based on at least one primary source represented
in our reading (or elsewhere, in consultation with me) and the assigned reading
for that section of the course.
In addition to written works, you may also utilize
examples of painting, sculpture, architecture, or music as your primary sources.
Instead of a play or poem, for instance, you might choose a painting
from the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, a composition from your
CD or record collection, an architectural structure, etc.
I require only that the source be related to the broader themes and
subjects of the course.
Your paper should demonstrate how your primary source
communicates or signifies the major themes of its cultural/historical context.
You are
to complete this project in four stages:
1. By class time Wednesday, September 26, you must select your context and primary source. Please submit a brief, written committment to your topic.
2. On Wednesday,
October 17, you will turn in a one-page statement of purpose (typed). It
should summarize of the subject matter of your work, review the primary source
you are studying, announce the general aims of your study, and list the sources
you will use (in bibliographical format).
3. On Wednesday,
October 31, you will turn in a three-page thematic outline of your paper (typed). This must be more than a “topical” outline. It should include a fully developed thesis
statement and subsequent entries should be in the form of full sentences. See the Outline Guidelines.
4. At the beginning of class on Wednesday, November 28, the finished paper (typed) is due without
fail.
QUIZZES: Short, unannounced quizzes may be given. Results will be computed into your class participation
grade.
OFFICE HOURS: I will
be available in my office, Crown Center 513, MWF 10:30-11:15 and W 5:30-6:00.
My telephone number is 773-508-2234.
My email address is dennis@luc.edu.
If
none of these hours are suitable, speak to me to arrange an appointment.
I
encourage you to consult me about any questions or problems you have regarding
the course or its assignments. That’s
what these office hours are for!