Goals of the course
to become acquainted with the main themes of European intellectual history since 1500
to become familiar with the main outlines of European history in the modern era
to understand in some depth texts written by several great writers in the Western tradition
to improve your capacity to write summary analyses of literary and philosophical texts
to learn how to write a documented research paper
to learn to do comparative analysis in the history of ideas
to enhance your skills in presenting yourself effectively in large-class settings and in small-group discussion
to improve your ability to write examination essays
Course requirements
attend all classes (unless formally excused) and participate in class discussion
submit 2 preliminary and unrelated theme papers (2-4 pp), exploring possible reserch paper projects, due at the end of week 3 (2 february) and week 6 (23 february) respectively
sit for a mid-semester exam at the end of week 8 - friday, 9 march
develop a research portfolio, including a statement of the problem, an outline, and a working bibliogrpahy, due for review at the end of week 11 - friday, 30 march
submit a rough draft of your research paper, due at the end of week 13 - friday, 13 april
submit a final, documented research paper, together with your portfolio, due at the end of week 15 - friday, 27 april. Use a target of 8 pp (printed, double-spaced, circa 2000 words), exclusive of endnotes.
sit for the final examination during exam week, tuesday, 8 may at 4:00 pm. The exam lasts for 2 hours and will cover all material in the course.