HISTORY
606: HISTORICAL CRITICISM F07
Sec. 1, Wed. 6-8 pm
Sec. 2, Thurs., 4-6 pm
Instructor: Prof. Jeremy Popkin
Office: 1725
POT Office Phone: 257-1415
EMAIL
address: POPKIN@uky.edu
Office
hours: Mon., 9:30-10:30; Wed., 2-4 pm or by appointment
History
606, Historical Criticism, is a seminar for students entering the
Course Requirements: (1) Regular
and active participation in the seminar, and timely completion of
assignments. More than one unexcused
absence may adversely affect your grade.
(2)
Three short essays (5 pp) on assigned readings concerning historiographical
issues. Students may choose which three
of the five sets of assigned readings they wish to write on, EXCEPT THAT all
students must do at least one or the other of the first two assignments. Papers must be turned in on the day of the
discussion of those readings. Assignment
dates for essays: 19 Sept., 26 Sept., 3 Oct., 17 Oct., 7 Nov. (Marked with ** on class schedule, below.)
(3)
Longer paper: An essay of 10 to 15
double-spaced typewritten pages on a major historiographical controversy or on
a significant historian and his or her work.
The topic should be chosen in consultation with the instructor. Papers are due in class on 5 Dec. 1997.
Grading: Class
participation, 40%; shorter essays, 30%; term paper, 30%.
Required
(2)
Gaddis, Landscape of History
(3) Horwitz, Confederates in the Attic
(4) the majority of the readings for this course are
on reserve at King Library and accessible on line.
Schedule of Classes and
Topics
22 Aug.: Introduction to the Course.
29 or 30 Aug.: A contemporary
historical classic: Browning, Ordinary Men.
5 or 6 Sept.: Reports on historical journals.
12or 13 Sept.: An apology for history.
**19 or 20 Sept.: Political history.
**26 or 27 Sept.: Social
history. Readings: P. Burke, "Overture"; M. Bloch,
excerpt from French Rural History; F. Braudel, "History and the
Social Sciences"; Kessler-Harris, "Social History;" P. Aries and
R. Chartier, introductions to History of Private Life, v. III.
**3 or 4 Oct.: Intellectual
and cultural history.
10 or 11 Oct.: Reports on book
reviews.
**17 or 18 Oct.: “Outsiders”
and the canon of history.
24 or 25 Oct.: NO CLASS MEETING
31 or 1 Nov.: Graduate
Training, Teaching, the Historical Profession.
Readings: J. Popkin,
“Choosing History,” from History, Historians and Autobiography; G.
Elton, excerpt from The Practice of History; T. Hamerow, excerpts from Reflections
on History and Historians; excerpt from K. Eble, Professors as Teachers;
M. Kishlansky, “A Matter of Arrangement” [handout, not on web site]; V.
Harding, "Responsibilities of the Black Scholar"; L. Cohen,
"Balancing Work and Family in the Historical Profession”
**7 or 8 Nov.: New Directions
in History.
14 or 15 Nov.: The public and
its history.
21 or 22 Nov.: UNIVERSITY
28 or 29 Nov.: Reports on
term projects
5 Dec.: Reports on term
projects and concluding discussion (term papers due)
Course Policies
1. Late Work and Make‑Up
Exams: Late papers are not accepted
unless students requesting them can produce documented evidence of
illness, accident or other legitimate cause beyond their control accounting for
absence. Students who will miss an exam
or assignment because of a scheduled university activity must notify the
professor and make arrangements to make up the work before the scheduled
due date.
2. Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is defined in the UK Student Handbook. Students submitting work which is not their
own will receive an 'E' for that assignment and will not be allowed to make it
up. Students should keep materials used
in preparing written assignments until after final grades are received (e.g.,
notes, rough drafts of written assignments).
3. Rights,
Responsibilities, Attitudes: I take
my responsibilities as a teacher seriously and I expect you to take your
responsibilities as students seriously.
Students are expected to be prepared for class, to be in class on time
and not disrupt sessions by arriving late, and to be attentive and ready to
participate during class.
Use of recording devices during lectures and
discussions is not permitted, except for students who have a valid physical
reason for needing them (e.g., inability to take written notes). Students
who wear earphones, read the Kernel, or otherwise indicate that their
minds are elsewhere during class will be asked to take their bodies elsewhere
as well.
4. Modern Technology:
Recording devices are not permitted during lectures and discussions, except for
students who have a valid physical reason for needing them (e.g., inability to
take written notes). Students wearing
earphones during class or using laptops will be invited to go be bored
somewhere else. Beepers, cellular phones
and other devices which may cause a distraction must be turned off during
class.