History 4444 is a survey of European history during the eras of the Renaissance and Reformation, roughly from the mid-fourteenth century to the mid-seventeenth.  This period of European history was marked by profound changes in society, its attitudes, and its institutions.  We will examine some of the major changes and some of the various historical interpretations of this era.  Continuity will be as important as change, however, since the Renaissance and Reformation were in many ways links rather than barriers between the medieval and modern worlds. 

TEXTBOOKS 

Two textbooks are required for the course: Renaissance Europe and Reformation Europe, both by De Lamar Jensen.  In addition, students should purchase Giovanni and Lusanna:  Love and Marriage in Renaissance Florence by Gene Brucker.  Assigned readings and approximate dates are noted on the following pages of this syllabus.  Students are expected to have read the assignments when they come to class. 

EXAMS 

A mid-term and a final exam are the only examinations.  Their scheduled dates are noted on the reading assignment sheet.  These exams will consist of a combination of short answer and essay questions.  Each will count as 40% of the student’s final grade.  At the discretion of the instructor, the final may be comprehensive. 

TERM PAPER 

A research paper on some aspect of the Renaissance or Reformation must be submitted by 19 April.  The remaining 20% of the student’s final grade will be determined by the quality of this paper.  The paper should be 10-15 pages in length, typed, grammatically correct, and complete with appropriate citations of  sources and bibliography.  Proofread your paper before you submit it.  Failure to do so gives the impression that the paper was written hastily and carelessly and could result in a lower grade.  The topic must be cleared with the instructor.  Failure to complete the paper on time will result in a penalty of one letter grade. 

  
ATTENDANCE 

While there is no mandatory attendance policy, students are expected to attend class and participate in class discussion.  Material discussed in class will be emphasized on exams, and active participation will be considered in the student’s favor when final grades are determined.  In borderline cases such participation could make the difference between a lower letter grade and a higher one. 

ACADEMIC HONESTY 

Students are expected to be honest.  Please review page 274 of the Kennesaw State University catalog for 1998-1999 to be familiar with regulations concerning plagiarism, cheating, unauthorized access to official materials, and other matters related to academic honesty. 

CONFERENCES