Tudor and Stuart England
Winter Semester 2007
Frank Luttmer
113 Classic Hall 7205historians@hanover.edu
Course Description and Objectives
This course is an introduction to the social, political, religious, and intellectual history of England during the reigns of the Tudor and Stuart monarchs, with particular attention given to three major developments of the era: the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Puritan Revolution. The format is discussion rather than lecture. In addition to increasing your understanding of early modern England, the course is designed to deepen your appreciation of the study of history, strengthen your capacity to think critically and analytically, and improve your research and writing skills. You will be expected to analyze documents carefully and thoughtfully, develop and defend your own interpretations, and write a substantive research paper.
Required Readings
1. Robert Bucholz and Newton Key, Early Modern England 1485-1714 (Blackwell 0631213937)
2. Lacey Baldwin Smith, Henry VIII: The Mask of Royalty (Academy Chicago 0897330560)
3. Carole Levine, The Heart and Stomach of a King: Elizabeth I and the Politics of Sex and Power (University of Pennsylvania 0812215338)
4. Paul Seaver, Wallington’s World (Stanford 0804714320)
5. John Bunyon, Grace Abounding (Oxford 0192821326)
6. Diana Hacker, Rules for Writers 5th edition (Bedford /St. Martin’s 0312406851) - optional
7. Primary sources, distributed in class
Grades
Final grades will be based on an evaluation of the following.
1. Two exams (25% each)
The exams will consist of short-answer questions and essay questions. In your essays, you will be expected (1) to isolate key themes and concepts and (2) to explain those themes and concepts with clarity and precision.
2. Research paper (25%)
Your paper may be on any topic related to the content of the course. The paper is to be analytical and interpretive, not simply descriptive. It should present a thesis and develop an argument (and include potential counter-arguments). The length of the paper should be 5-6 pages. You are expected to use Interlibrary Loan when essential sources are unavailable through the Duggan Library.
The grade will be based on the quality of the (1) thesis and argument, (2) organization, (3) logic, (4) evidence, (5) alternative interpretations, (6) sources, and (7) writing. Late papers (papers not submitted during class on the due date, April 13) will be evaluated by higher standards, and they should be sent to me via email.
3. Prospectus and class presentation (15%)
The prospectus should include (1) a draft of the first paragraph of the research paper (including the thesis statement), (2) an outline of the entire research paper (no more than one page), and (3) a bibliography of the research paper consisting of at least five substantive sources (this may vary depending on the topic).
The six-minute presentation functions as a first draft of the research paper. It should identify the problem addressed in the paper, develop a thesis and argument, and entertain alternative interpretations. The grade will be based on the quality of the (1) thesis and argument, (2) organization, (3) logic, (4) evidence, (5) alternative interpretations, (6) sources, and (7) presentation.
5. Class participation (10%)
The success of this class depends upon the quality of the dialogue in class. Your class participation grade will reflect your attendance record, the frequency of your contributions to class discussions, and the quality of your questions, observations, and conclusions. Commentary on the presentations of others is included in the class participation grade.
Schedule
Jan. 10 Bucholtz and Key, x-xii, 1-30
Jan. 12 Bucholtz and Key, 31-62
Jan. 15 Bucholtz and Key, 63-87
Jan. 17 More
Jan. 19 Bucholtz and Key, 88-92; Tyndale; More
Jan. 22 Bucholtz and Key, 92-97; Smith, Chs. 1 and 2
Jan. 24 Smith, Chs. 3 and 4
Jan. 26 Smith, Chs. 5 and 6
Jan. 29 Smith, Chs. 7, 8, and 12.
Jan. 31 Bucholtz and Key, 97-119; Antichrist; Foxe
Feb. 2 Bucholtz and Key, 119-132; Field and Wilcox; Barrow
Feb. 5 Bucholtz and Key, 133-151; Levin
Feb. 7 Levin
Feb. 9 Levin
Feb. 12 Levin
Feb. 14 Levin
Feb. 16 Mid-term exam
Feb. 19 Bucholtz and Key, 152-172; Perkins; Downame
Feb. 21 Bucholtz and Key,172-200; Anger; Witches
Feb. 23 Bucholtz and Key, 201-232
Mar. 5 Bucholtz and Key, 232-264
Mar. 7 Seaver, Preface, Chs. 1 and 2
Mar. 9 Seaver, Chs. 3 and 4
Mar. 12 Seaver, Chs. 5 and 6
Mar. 14 Seaver, Ch. 7
Mar. 16 Bucholtz and Key,265-294
Mar. 19 Presentations; Prospectus Due
Mar. 21 Presentations
Mar. 23 Presentations
Mar. 26 Presentations
Mar. 28 Bucholtz and Key, 294-301; Bunyan, 3-35
Mar, 30 Bunyan, 35-67
Apr. 2 Bunyan, 67-94
Apr. 4 Bunyan, 173-190
Apr. 6 Bunyan, 193-224
Apr. 9 Bucholtz and Key, 302-339
Apr. 11 Bucholtz and Key, 340-376
Apr. 13 Newton; Locke
Apr 16-20 Exam Week
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