1. Classes. An enhanced copy of this syllabus is available at http://ux1.eiu.edu/~nekey/syllabi/ireland.htm and I invite you to use it. Any revisions to the syllabus or this schedule will be limited, will be for pedagogical reasons (changes in due dates, readings, specific essay questions, review sheets), and will be announced in class in advance and posted on the web.
  2. Papers. His 4775 is designated writing-intensive (the second essay may be submitted as a revised paper; the first alone may not–I'd prefer that you use my comments to make some revision of any paper submitted). The two essays due should be typed, double-spaced, and use a clear and consistent form of referencing (see preferred citation guide at http://ux1.eiu.edu/~nekey/citate.htm on the web). One essay (5 pages, 15% of your grade) will be an analysis of 19th-century Irish rural society based on a comparison of Paddy's Lament and The Burning of Bridget Cleary (graduates, add reviews). The second will be (7-9 pages, graduates 12 pages, 20%) a revision of one scene from Michael Collins based on primary sources (The Times, New York Times, Dáil Debates online, etc.) and the arguments of a couple relevant historians. These essays are relatively brief, but should be focused and thoughtful.
  3. Participation. Participation (based on your contribution to pre-assignments and discussion) is required (15%), though extra credit (up to 5%) can be obtained by an optional extra essay on the final.

    Generally, more than three absences will adversely affect your participation grade. (Because it is participation I seek, I tend not to countenance "excused" absences, nor to read "notes" from various authorities attesting to the excuse.) Your grade as a whole may suffer if your absences fall on the date of exams. There is, of course, no make-up for reports or the final. Other make-ups will be at my discretion. (Anyone with a documented disability should let me know by the second week of class so that we can make appropriate accommodations.) History department graduate students tutor in CH 2726. And ask me for questions and clarifications. I will talk about history virtually anytime.

  4. Exams. You must purchase at the University Bookstore, sign, and turn in all three exam books three classes before the first Mid-Term (that is by Sept. 21). No one may take the two in-class mid-terms (15% each) or the final (20%) without an exam book. The mid-terms will consist primarily of statements based on factual narrative, brief interpretation, identifications, essays based on short excerpts from assigned documents, and mapping. The final will focus on excerpts and questions which elicit essays of synthesis and analysis. Improvement during the semester will mitigate disastrous performance early in the course.
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    last modified August 29, 2004