1. His 3555 is an examination of the currents and themes of world history in the 19th and 20th centuries. While it covers the broad narrative of world events during this modern period, it also introduces you to the debates of historians over causality and relative significance of trends of continuity and change. There is an enhanced copy of this syllabus and I invite you to use it <http://ux1.eiu.edu/~nekey/syllabi/3555.htm>. Generally, I lecture on Tuesday and we discuss texts on Thursday. 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. His 3555 is designated writing-intensive (the last essay may be submitted as a revised paper; the first two may be submitted, but not as a revised paper–I’d prefer that you at least use my comments to make some revision of any paper submitted). The three essays due should be typed, double-spaced, and use a clear and consistent form of referencing (see citation guide at http://ux1.eiu.edu/~nekey/citate.htm on the web). These essays are relatively brief, but should be focused and thoughtful. The first paper (15%) is an analysis of Heart of Darkness using contemporary documents as context. The second paper (25%, to be submitted both as hardcopy and as an email attachment) is a comparative review of Cardoza’s biography of Mussolini with any other contemporary (born within a decade either way of Mussolini, except Hitler or Roosevelt): how did ideas and events shape the actions of the two individuals?; what is their comparative significance for world history?; what are the strengths and weaknesses of Cardoza a biographer? The final paper (cancelled, to be included in the Final Exam as a comparative question about "your" assigned country in world history 1914-1968) is an analysis of Kurlansky’s view of one of the movements of 1968 (Czechoslovakia, France, Mexico, Vietnam, Cuba, England, Nigeria/Biafra; you will have signed up for a specific regional focus the second week of class and will write about that portion of 1968 in your first test–see below).
  3. Participation (based on your contribution to pre-assignments and discussion) is required (10%), though extra credit (up to 5%) can be obtained by an optional extra essay on the final. Generally speaking, 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 excuse “notes” from various authorities.) Your grade as a whole may suffer if your absences fall on the date of assigned reports or exams. There is, of course, no make-up for 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. You must purchase at the University Bookstore, sign, and turn in all three exam books three classes before the first test (that is by Sept. 12). No one may take the test (10%, focusing on 1968 and 1800-1871), mid-term (15%, focusing on 1859-1925) or the final (25%, focusing on 1917-1989) without an exam book. Improvement during the semester will mitigate disastrous performance early in the course.  
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    last modified on November 7, 2006