| ACTIVITIES | PERCENTAGES |
|---|---|
| Discussion Papers (5% each) | 30% |
| Two Substantive Papers (15% each) | 30% |
| Final Exam | 20% |
| Class Participation (Demonstrating Mastery of the Assigned Readings) | 20% |
The following syllabi come from a variety of different terms. They illustrate the evolution of this course over time, and are intended to provide alternate views into the instruction of this course.
Spring 2009, Anne McCants (PDF)
Spring 2008, Anne McCants (PDF)
A list of topics covered in the course is available in the calendar.
This course has a scheduled three hour final exam. In addition, each student will be expected to write a number of very short (1 or 2 pages each) discussion papers, and two substantive essays (5 or 6 pages each) over the course of the term. The discussion papers will be due in Week #1, Week #2, Week #4, Week #7, and Week #9. The longer essays will be due on Week #6, and Week #11. The discussion papers should pertain to the reading assigned for the week they are due, while the topics for the two longer papers will be assigned in class.
No internet sources should be consulted for your papers, other than those which are either primary source collections, or are academically refereed sites. If you are unsure about a site, please consult me prior to using it. If used, all internet sources must be properly footnoted and cited in your bibliography at the end of your paper just as for any other type of source. Plagiarism from any kind of source will not be tolerated. Cheating earns an automatic F (0%) for the assignment. Moreover, all cases of cheating will be reported to the COD for their consideration of the appropriate disciplinary action to take with the student involved. If you are unsure what plagiarism is please see the MIT Online Writing Communication Center. If you are still uncertain, please see me.
| ACTIVITIES | PERCENTAGES |
|---|---|
| Discussion Papers (5% each) | 30% |
| Two Substantive Papers (15% each) | 30% |
| Final Exam | 20% |
| Class Participation (Demonstrating Mastery of the Assigned Readings) | 20% |
Late papers will be accepted without penalty in the case of a medical emergency or some other type of emergency which has been brought to our attention in advance. Otherwise, late papers will be graded down 5% points for each day they are late. Students are expected to attend every class. Two un-excused absences will be permitted without penalty. However, each un-excused absence above two will result in your final grade being lowered by 2% points. If you know in advance that you must travel during the week for professional reasons, please see me as soon as possible so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
| WEEK # | TOPICS | KEY DATES |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction - Why Economic Growth and the Methodology of Economic History | |
| 2 | Late Roman Antiquity and Barbarian Europe | Assignment 1 due |
| 3 | The Structure of Medieval Life: Manorialism and Feudalism | Assignment 2 due |
| 4 | Medieval Agriculture and Commercialization: A Revised Story | Assignment 3 due |
| 5 | Rise of the Commune and Revival of Trade: Counterpoint to Autarkic Agriculture | |
| 6 | The Wider Medieval World: Vikings, Mongols, and Scaracens | Assignment 4 due |
| 7 | The Plague and its Consequences | Assignment 5 due |
| 8 | Methodology and Theories of Historical Demography | |
| 9 | Overseas Expansion of Europe | |
| 10 | Grand Theories about Medieval Development: Malthusians, Marxists and the Classical Economists | Assignment 6 due |
| 11 | Capitalist Organization of Economic Life: The Globalization of Trade and the Rise of Consumer Culture | |
| 12 | Measuring Welfare | Assignment 7 due |
| 13 | The Rise of North-Western Europe: Improvements in the Standard of Living |