The Reformation
Winter Semester 2007
Frank Luttmer
113 Classic Hall 7205historians@hanover.edu
Course Description and Objectives
This seminar is designed to introduce students of the liberal arts to the sources and historiography of the European Reformation. It treats the Reformation both as a significant social and political revolution and as a defining moment in the history of Christian theology. Major themes include: late Medieval Christendom and the origins of the Reformation; the Reformation and Renaissance humanism; Martin Luther and the Lutheran Reformation; John Calvin and the Reformed Church; the Radical Reformation; the Reformation and the family; and the Catholic Reformation. In addition to increasing your understanding of the Reformation, the course is designed to strengthen your skills of historical analysis and interpretation and improve your research and writing skills.
Required Readings
1. Euan Cameron, The Reformation (Oxford 0198730934)
2. Alister McGrath, Reformation Thought 3rd ed. (Blackwell 0631215212)
3. Essential Erasmus, ed. John Dolan (Plume 0452009723)
4. Martin Luther: Selections from his Writings, ed. John Dillenburger (Anchor 0385098766)
5. Diana Hacker, Rules for Writers 5th edition (Bedford /St. Martin’s 0312406851) - optional
6. 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 McGrath, 26-38; Cameron, 1-19; Medieval Sermon Tales
Jan. 12 Cameron, 79-93; McGrath, 66-84; Aquinas
Jan. 15 Cameron, 20-61; Anti-clericalism
Jan. 17 Cameron, 61-78; Rolle; Kempis
Jan. 19 McGrath, 1-25; Cameron, 293-313, 339-49
Jan. 22 Cameron, 99-110; Luther, 42-52, 403-431
Jan. 24 Cameron, 168-193; Luther, 3-12
Jan. 26 McGrath, 39-65; Erasmus
Jan. 29 Erasmus, 94-138
Feb. 9 Erasmus, 138-173
Feb. 12 Erasmus, 24--61
Feb. 14 Erasmus, 61-93
Feb. 16 McGrath, 101-44
Feb. 19 Cameron, 97, 111-135; Luther, 13-34
Feb. 21 Luther, 52-96
Feb. 23 Mid-term exam
Mar. 5 Luther, 99-115, 139-165
Mar. 7 Cameron, 186-193; Erasmus (distributed in class); Luther, 166-175
Mar. 9 Luther, 175-203
Mar. 12 Calvin 1
Mar. 14 Cameron, 136-144; McGrath, 145-168
Mar. 16 Cameron, 156-167; McGrath, 169-196; Calvin 2
Mar. 19 Presentations; Prospectus Due
Mar. 21 Presentations
Mar. 23 Presentations
Mar. 26 Presentations
Mar. 28 Cameron, 145-155; McGrath, 197-218; Luther, 240-248; Calvin, Institutes (London, 1587), 336v-337r (IV.i.1)
Mar. 30 Cameron, 151-5; McGrath, 219-234; Luther, 363-402
Apr. 2 Cameron, 197-226, 239-261, 267-272
Apr. 4 Cameron, 317-338; Schleitheim Confession; Michael Sattler's Trial
Apr. 6 Cameron, 389-422; Gifford
Apr. 9 Gifford
Apr. 11 Gifford
Apr. 13 Art; Music; Research Paper Due
Apr 16-20 Exam Week
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