A History of the Middle Ages	Dickinson State University
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I. Course Description

This course will acquaint the student with the course of Medieval history from roughly 200 C.E. through 1500 C.E.  Social, political, cultural, and economic changes will be explored as they relate to such issues as the religion, education, the state, science, philosophy, and the family. While a heavy emphasis will be placed upon writing assignments and two examinations, students will be expected to contribute to discussions on relevant issues relating to the Middle Ages.

The five writing assignments will challenge students to critically evaluate ideas circulating in academic circles relating to issues ranging from religion and philosophy to government.  While necessitating the application of higher-order thinking skills, these assignments will also serve to underscore liberal arts values.

You will need your textbooks throughout the course and would be best advised to obtain them as soon as possible. If your local bookstore cannot obtain these works for you, consider using Amazon Books.

Frederick B. Artz, The Mind of the Middle Ages.  Revised Edition (Chicago:  University of Chicago, 1980).

Norman F. Cantor, The Civilization of the Middle Ages.  Revised Edition (New York:  Harper Collins, 1993).

First, there will be two examinations, namely, a midterm and a final examination. Each exam will consist of a selection of essays. The midterm examination will count 100 points while the final will count 150 points. Second, five (5) written assignments (worth ten points each) which will be due on dates to be announced. The topics to be addressed are subject to change depending upon the instructor. Thus, there will be 300 total points possible.  Final grades will be determined using the following breakdown:  "A" for 100-90%, "B" for 89-80%, "C" for 79-70%, "D" for 69-60%, and "F" for anything under 60%.

The dates on which your papers are due will be announced in class usually one week in advance. Students would do well to hand in their papers ahead of the deadline and thus avoid possible last minute emergencies such as computer problems, dental appointments, and the like. Take note, late papers will not be accepted without a written valid excuse such as a medical excuse. Similarly, students will not be given make-up examinations without such a valid excuse. Make-up examinations with a valid excuse will in no case be given prior to the announced time of an examination.

Students are asked to retain copies of all papers which they submit as insurance against lost or misplaced papers. Graded materials returned to you should be carefully stored away as insurance against an incorrect or incomplete grade at the conclusion of the semester. You may be called upon to return some graded materials to the instructor from time to time. Students are encouraged to study their graded materials in order to improve their performance during the course of the semester.