History/Medieval Studies 401

Syllabus: 
 Structure
 Schedule 

Readings: 
 Book List 
 Reserve Readings
 Authors

Chronologies: 
 Rise of Christianity
 Christianization

Handouts: 
 Roman Names
 Evolution of Christian Message
 Emperors

Links

REPORTS: 
Each student is required to write FOUR reports from among those offered on the syllabus.  The report is an essay (5 pages) based upon the relevant general readings and specific readings assigned for each topic.  Copies of each report must be made available for the entire seminar NO LATER THAN 9:00 A.M. on the MORNING the seminar convenes so that all members of the seminar can read these reports as part of their assignment.  Reporters should follow the STYLE SHEET distributed to the seminar, and those students who wish to improve their writing should purchase W. Strunk Jr. and E. White, Elements of Style (third edition). 

DISCUSSION: 
Students are expected to attend and to PARTICIPATE in discussion.  Reporters have responsibility for initiating and directing class discussion, because their reports offer positions and relevant facts that set the seminar’s debate.  Reports are urged to consult with me and to cooperate with each other. 

TERM PAPER: 
Each student must also write a term paper (20 pages) based on primary and secondary sources on any aspect of the colloquium.  The term paper is due no later than WEDNESDAY, May 6, 1998 at 12:00 Noon.  A list of suggested topics will be issued, and students should note the following schedule: 

March 9, Monday: Topic and Statement of Thesis Due 
April 13, Monday: Outline and Bibliography Due 
April 30, Thursday: Last Day to Submit Draft for Revision 
May 6, Wednesday Final Text of Term Paper Due

RESERVE READING: 
Many books are on reserve in Howard Tilton Library under HISTORY/Classics 400-70H, but a number of books are also under HISTORY/Medieval Studies 303-01 (Early Medieval and Byzantine Civilization).  A number of books and photocopies of articles in journals are available directly from me.  Reporters should consult with me about works they need for their reports. 

BACKGROUND READING: 
For those needing an introduction to Roman history, Colin M. Wells, The Roman Empire (2nd edition, New York, 1992) is recommended.  The emergence of Christianity, a fine survey is offered by Robert Grant, Augustus to Constantine: The Thrust of the Christian Movement into the Roman World (New York, 1970).  The following standard reference are also recommended: 

Roman History: 

Cary, M.  A History of the Rome down to the Death of Constantine.  3rd edition, revised by H. H. Scullard.  New York, 1975. 

Boak, E. A. R. and W. G. Sinnigen,  A History of Rome to A.D. 565.  New York, 1965. 

 

Christianity: 

Frend, W. H. C., The Rise of Christianity.  Philadelphia, 1984.