HISTORY 312: Age of Democratic Revolutions
http://academic.udayton.edu/MarybethCarlson/312syl.htm

USEFUL RESOURCES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT
http://academic.udayton.edu/MarybethCarlson/hst312.htm
Dr.  Carlson -- HM 447 (X93380) 
Office Hours: Tu 12-1 and Th 9-10 and by appointment
E-mail: Marybeth.Carlson@notes.udayton.edu
COURSE CONTENT AND OBJECTIVES: What does democracy mean?  What is the difference between a revolution and a war of independence?  Why do revolutions happen?  Why do they succeed, indeed how do we know whether or not a revolution did or does succeed?  What factors in a revoutionary situation facilitate the rise of authoritarian leaders? How have societies come to recognize the legitimacy of guaranteeing certain human rights?  What factors determine which particular rights a given society guarantees?  What factors determine which groups are guaranteed which rights at any particular time?
The eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries offer a variety of case studies on which to base a study of these questions.  In this course, we will attempt to provide some answers to these questions.  That attempt may fail, but we will at least all end up with a basis for thinking about them for the rest of our lives.
 
What to know before you take a 300-level course in European history

This is not an introductory course in history.  Please take a minute to consider what this means:

You will be expected to handle a reading load in this class of approximately 75pages per week.  Although I have tried to avoid using any texts which use professional "jargon" in this class, occasionally some readings will include advanced vocabulary, possibly including foreign words or phrases. (This is, after all, a European history course.)  A dictionary will help you in understanding the definitions of such vocabulary.  If you do not own one, there is a link to an online version of the American Heritage Dictionary from Roesch Library's Databases webpage.

You will be expected to write at a college level.   I look forward to working with you in developing your ability to structure a logical argument based on a thesis.  At the same time, you should be able to structure a sentence grammatically and use common words correctly, since usage errors detract from your argument and may even render it nonsensical.  The midterm and final exams will include a take home essay assignment, and any essay with more than THREE usage errors will receive an F.

You will be expected to participate in class discussion.  Education is not the same thing as watching TV.  It is interactive.  If you prefer to "just watch," HST 312 is not the class for you. 

While first- and second-year students may enroll in this course, usually they should not.  First year students should only take this course if they received an A in HST 103 and an A in ENG 114.  Second year students should only take this course if they received an at least a B in HST 103 and at least a B in first year English.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION: The final grade in this course is based upon the following components:
 
  • 30% Midterm Paper
  • 40% Final Papers
    		•  (Makeups for midterm and final papers permitted only under the Department of History Makeup Guidelines. These are available in class or in HM 400.)
  • 30% Classwork, including online discussion forum and class participation
    		•  (Informed participation makes class discussion worthwhile. Students who do not participate in class discussion will not receive an "A" in HST 312, period.  All required readings should be complete by the discussion deadline identified on the schedule.)
    WHAT DO THESE LETTERS REALLY MEAN, ANYWAY? Students who fulfill the requirements of HST 312 will earn a C in the course.  Students who go beyond the requirements (writing particularly good book reviews, for example) will earn a B in the course.  Grades of "A" are reserved for a very small percentage of the students in the class, students who seek out supplementary readings beyond those assigned and who consistently write the very best reviews and who make original contributions to class discussion, contributions which make it clear that they have completed and thought about the assigned readings.
     
    Class participation offers students an opportunity to develop the ability to "think on one's feet," an important skill for career success.  Since one of my goals for HST 312 is to help you develop your skills in this area, I work very hard to create an atmosphere in which students will feel comfortable in discussion. To make class discussion most interesting and useful, students must come to class prepared to discuss the readings assigned for particular days. Futhermore, the concept of "excused absences" has been abolished from this class.
    You may have three "unexplained absences" this term.  These absences may not take place on days of scheduled tests.  You must make up EVERY absence from the class with additional participation.

    You may have three additional "explained absences" this term.  These absences are granted only for UD athletic travel, the funeral of a family member, hospitalization of a family member, or personal illness serious enough to require the attention of a medical professional.  DO NOT E-MAIL ME REGARDING ANY ABSENCE.  I AM A HISTORIAN, AND AS SUCH REQUIRE DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF THE FACTS.  You must see me during office hours (not before or after class!) and provide me with a copy of your athletic department letter, a printed obituary, or other official documentation.  You must make up EVERY absence from the class with additional participation.

    Note that students who do not take advantage of the opportunity to develop their discussion skills will not be able to earn an A in HST 312.