His 3110--Britain and the British Empire, 1688-present--Course Requirements
Everyone will write two typed, double-spaced essays: (1) a brief (one-page, single-spaced) sheet on three aspects of the Industrial Revolution; and an essay commenting on how selected primary sources uphold or question historians’ analysis of whether the Industrial Revolution had a positive or negative impact on late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century British people (4 page, with debate preparation sheet, 15%), and (2) a research/analysis paper using R. Graves, Good-bye to All That and The Times (6-7 page, 25%).
For exams you must purchase (about 25 cents each at the Union bookstore), sign, and turn in all three exam booklets before Feb 8. You cannot take an exam if you have not turned in booklets beforehand. There will be two mid-terms (15% each), and a final exam (20%). The mid-terms and final will consist of short-answer, identifications, short-essay comparisons, analysis of excerpts from the assigned primary sources, and related essay questions. Mapping and political narratives may either be included in mid-terms or separately as part of your participation grade (notice and particulars will be given). (Anyone with a documented disability should let me know the first week of class (before 17 Jan.) so that we can make appropriate accommodations.) The history department has graduate students available for tutoring (CH 2726). And do approach me for questions and clarifications. I will talk to you about history virtually anytime.
Participation (based on occasional in-class writing and contribution to discussions and the debate) is required (10%), though extra credit (up to 5% of final grade) can be obtained by an optional extra essay on the final. More than three absences will adversely affect your participation grade. Of course, your grade as a whole will be lowered if your absences fall on the date of an assigned debate. (There is no make-up for the final. Other make-ups are discouraged and are at the professor's discretion.) Any revisions to this syllabus will be announced well in advance and posted on my website.