Assignments

As assignments come due, all handouts and additional information you receive in class will also be posted here.

• Reading Journal - 20% You will need to keep a reading journal on the readings. Each entry should be about a page. See the designation "R" (such as R-1) to see when journals are due.
  • Somedays I will give you specific questions on which you should write. At other times, you will be free to write on whatever interests you. Consider the following types of issues. What can we learn from the readings? What should we ask about them in class? What problems do they present? You do not need to address all of the documents equally, but can focus on the sources you find most interesting.
  • Approach each entry as if it were a compressed version of an essay. Try to come up with a central point (or two or three) to make about the readings. Connect your observation with specific instances. Demonstrate to me that you have done the readings.
  • Write with polish. Take these assignments as a chance to practice your academic writing without the pressure of high-stakes grading. All entries must be typed and double spaced.
  • There are 20days that require journal entries. Entries will be graded S(atisfactory) or U(nsatisfactory). Each S is worth 1% of your final grade.
  • Reading journals exist to stimulate class discussion. Therefore, if you miss class without a documented excuse, your reading journal will not be accepted. If you fail to turn in an assignment, late entries will not be accepted.
• Final Paper - 30% - Details forthcoming
  • You will write an 8-10 page paper on a single extended primary source or event. You will need to read the primary source carefully and locate secondary materials to inform your reading. I will give you much more information on the assignment during the semester, including a list of potential sources and events. You may, however, choose to prepare a research paper on a topic of your own choosing. I am open to any topic pertaining to medieval holy war that you can base on primary research. Make sure to speak to me early in the semester if you want to develop your own topic.
  • The final paper is worth the full 30% of your grade, but you will need to complete several steps along the way. If you fail to complete any of these steps, you will not receive higher than a C- on your final project. Assignments may vary if you choose a research topic, and you will need to meet with me individually. The steps are:
    1. Selection: Choose your document/topic and provide a preliminary bibliography. Explain the issues you wish to address and the core questions you hope to answer in your paper. Due Wed., Oct 18
    2. Summaries: Summarize the contents of your primary document. Due Wed., Oct 25.
    3. First Draft: Bring a complete draft of your paper to class. You will read one of your peer's papers (or possibly more) and comment on it. Due Monday, Nov. 27
    • Peer Review Form
    4. Final Paper is due on Monday, December 18, by 12:00
• Short Essay - 5%
  • 750-word paper on the First Crusade. Details are here. Due Monday, Oct. 2.
• First Exam - 15%
  • In-class exam consisting of several identification questions and an essay question. 50 Minutes Long. Wednesday, October 11
• Second Exam - 15%
  • In-class exam consisting of several identification questions and two essay questions. Monday, December 11
• Participation - 15% of your final grade

  • Participation is more than just showing up, but it starts with just showing up. You cannot participate if you are not here. I will take attendance every day. Unexcused absences will weigh heavily against your participation grade.
    • Excused absences - severe illness with doctor's note, death in the family, "acts of God," or official Macalester activities will obviously not incur any direct penalty. However, if you aren't here, you cannot participate, so you will need to work hard to make up for any classes missed legitimately. You are responsible for catching up on material missed by consulting both me and your peers.
  • But participation is about more than just showing up. It's about doing the reading, being prepared to talk about it, volunteering your input, being involved in your group work, preparing for the debates, informal writing activities, and other discussions. Generally, be an asset to the class as a whole. We will have a variety of ways in which you can participate, but none matter more than being an active member in our small-group and full-class discussions.
  • Your participation is a large percent of your grade. You will need to earn it. Take initiative. Do not expect to speak only when directly called upon and pass this section of the class.
  • Finally, being late consistently may be counted as being absent. It will certainly lower your participation grade. So will falling asleep, being disrespectful to your peers, and other anti-social behavior.