History 346
The Reformation
Winter Semester 2009
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. In addition to deepening your understanding of the Reformation, the course is designed to promote an understanding of historical context and perspective and to encourage the skills essential to historical inquiry, including the ability to define historical questions, analyze primary documents, evaluate alternative interpretations, develop coherent arguments, and communicate clearly and effectively..
Required Readings
1. Euan Cameron, The Reformation (Oxford) 0198730934
2. Joseph Klaits, Servants of Satan (Indiana) 0253204224
3. Essential Erasmus, ed. John Dolan (Plume) 0452009723
4. Martin Luther: Selections from his Writings, ed. John Dillenburger (Anchor) 0385098766
5. Readings and images either distributed in class or linked to the web syllabus
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. Oral presentation (10%) and accompanying written work (10%).
The 5-6 minute oral presentation and accompanying written work may be on any topic related to the content of the course, but the topic should be focused and precise. The presentation is a first draft of the final research paper. The presentation should be analytical and interpretive, not simply descriptive. It should present a thesis and develop an argument (and include potential counter-arguments). The accompanying written work should include an introductory paragraph (including a thesis statement), an outline of your argument (in sufficient detail to convey the logic and evidence of your argument), and a bibliography consisting of at least five substantive sources (this may vary depending on the topic). 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.
3. Research paper (20%)
The research paper will be a revision of the presentation. Like the presentation, 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.
4. Class participation (10%)
The success of this class depends upon the quality of the dialogue in class. Class participation grades 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. 7: Cameron, 1-19; Medieval Sermon Tales
Jan. 9: Cameron, 79-93; Aquinas
Jan. 12: Cameron, 20-61; Anti-clericalism
Jan. 14: Cameron, 61-78; Rolle; Kempis
Jan. 16: Cameron, 293-313, 339-49
Jan. 19: Cameron, 99-110; Luther, 42-52, 403-431
Jan. 21: Cameron, 168-193; Luther, 3-12
Jan. 23: Erasmus; Erasmus, 94-105
Jan. 26: Erasmus, 105-138
Jan. 28: Erasmus, 138-173
Jan. 30: Erasmus, 24--61
Feb. 2: Erasmus, 61-93
Feb. 4: Cameron, 97, 111-135; Luther, 13-19
Feb. 6: Luther, 19-60
Feb. 9: Luther, 60-96
Feb. 11: Luther, 99-115, 139-165
Feb. 13: Cameron, 186-193; Erasmus (distributed in class); Luther, 166-175
Feb. 16: Luther, 175-203
Feb. 18: Mid-term exam
Feb. 20: Cameron, 136-144, 156-167
Mar. 2: Calvin 1
Mar. 4: Cameron, 145-155; Luther, 240-248; Calvin, Institutes (London, 1587), 336v-337r (IV.i.1)
Mar. 6: Cameron, 151-5; Luther, 363-402
Mar. 9: Presentations
Mar. 11: Presentations
Mar. 13: Presentations
Mar. 16: Cameron, 197-226, 239-261, 267-272
Mar. 18: Cameron, 317-338; Schleitheim Confession; Michael Sattler's Trial
Mar. 20: Cameron, 389-422; Gifford
Mar. 23: Gifford
Mar. 25: Gifford
Mar. 27: Klaits, 1-47
Mar. 30: Klaits, 48-85
Apr. 1: Klaits, 86-127
Apr. 3: Klaits, 128-158; Bamberg; Wurzburg; Trier
Apr. 6: Klaits, 159-176
Apr. 8: Art
Apr. 10: Music; Final research paper due
Apr. 13-17: Final exam
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