His 3110 - Britain and the British Empire - Course Requirements

1. An enhanced version of this syllabus is at http://ux1.eiu.edu/~nekey/syllabi/brit.htm. The readings should be done before and the book (esp. Equiano, Graves, or Wing) brought to class on the day listed. This might mean that you begin your reading well before days we discuss the source.
   
2. Everyone will write three typed, double-spaced essays:
   1. one analyzing selected counties and their MPs during the unreformed period (1660-1832) (Presentation & 4 pages, 10%)
   2. one analyzing life in the Atlantic Empire using Equiano's Narrative (5-6 pages, 15%)
   3. an assessment of Graves's value as a source and historian, comparing Good-bye with The Times on one topic (5-6 pages, 15%)
   The essays should be typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font, and use a clear and consistent form of referencing (see preferred citation guide, http://ux1.eiu.edu/~nekey/citate.htm). The essays should be focused and thoughtful.
3. For exams you must purchase (about 29 cents each at the Union bookstore), sign, and turn in all three exam booklets one or before 12 Sept. There will be two mid-terms (12% each), and a final exam (15%). 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 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.
4. Participation (contribution to discussions in-class and online, occasional in-class writing/quizzes) is required, and includes one presentation on Unreformed Britain early in the course, and another on one aspect of British life during wartime using The Times/British Periodicals Online; and Wing's selection from Mass Observation at the end (15%). [The Wing/Mass Observation will also be the focus of one section of the final exam.]
   • 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 D2L and on this enhanced syllabus.
   • Participation needs focus. Class etiquette: silence phones; refrain from texting; keep internet use focused on our common subject; if you arrive late, simply seat yourself with a minimum of fuss. Basically, try not to distract others or yourself. We all can consult with class-desk neighbors, laptops, and phones: as long as it is related to what we are doing at the time.
   I use the following grade scale for tests/papers/participation and for your final grade.

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