Reformation Europe: 1450-1650

History 215b / Religious Studies 283b
Yale University
Spring Semester 1999

Course Requirements

Grade Calculation

 The final grade for this course will be determined according to each student's fulfillment of the following requirements:
  1. Reading of weekly assignments & participation in weekly discussion -- 10%
  2. 10-12 page paper -- 20%
  3. Midterm exam -- 30%
  4. Final exam -- 40%
These percentages may vary slightly, always in the students' favor, especially if improvements are made as the semester progresses.

Paper

 Each student will have considerable leeway as to the design and scope of the paper. Students may choose among the following types of projects:
  1. A research paper that relies mostly on primary sources (writings from the 16th and 17th century).
  2. A research paper that relies mostly on secondary sources (historical scholarship).
  3. A research paper that relies on both primary and secondary sources.
  4. A literature review of several recent works on a given topic (books and/or articles).
  5. A literature review that traces the development of historical writing on a given topic (books and/or articles).
  6. Commentary and analysis for images from the course website or other images.
  7. Other: creative suggestions are more than welcome!

Exams

 The format, scope, and structure of the two exams will be explained in class, as the exam dates approach. Please note: Exams must be taken on scheduled dates. NO extensions or make-ups will be granted. In case of an illness or some other unwelcome emergency, you may ask THE PROFESSOR (not the Teaching Assistant) for an alternative date before the exam.

Of course, illnesses or any other extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration. But it is the student's responsibility to explain such matters, and if necessary, to provide confirmation from their college dean's office.