MRST 5301 001:
METHODS IN MEDIEVAL

& RENAISSANCE STUDIES (45757)

Wednesdays, 7-9:30 pm, HH127

Spring Term 2019

 

TEACHER

John Howe, Professor of History, Advisor for the A&S Medieval & Renaissance Studies Center, TTU
Office: 143 Holden Hall                                                                                                           
Office Hours: MW 11:00am-12:30pm; MW 9:45-10:15pm;  and by appointment
Telephone: 834‑7544          E‑Mail: john.howe@ttu.edu               Fax 806 742-1006

Web:
http://myweb.ttu.edu/jhowe (the best way to access this syllabus)

PURPOSES OF THE COURSE
            To introduce the scholarship of medieval and renaissance studies.  To examine how different academic disciplines analyze and interpret the years between the classical era and the end of the early modern era.  To introduce resources available at Texas Tech University for the study of the middle ages and the renaissance.

Expected Learning Outcomes
            Upon successful completion of this class, students will be able to:
                1.  Describe multiple medieval and renaissance images that have shaped discourse on the development of Western Civilization;
                2.  Describe major historiographical trends related to medieval and renaissance studies;
                3.  Describe major attempts at preserving and recreating medieval and renaissance culture;
                4.  Identify resources available at Texas Tech University for medieval and renaissance studies;
                5.  Be more proficient in the following genres of writing:  essay and identification examinations, book reviews, and term paper.

 Methods for Assessing the Expected Learning Outcomes
            The expected learning outcomes of the course will be assessed through: examinations, book reviews, a term paper, class discussion, and miscellaneous classroom assessment activities.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

 
Required Texts

                 Blanning, Tim, The Romantic Revolution:  A History. New York: Modern Library, 2012.
                Bull, Marcus. Thinking Medieval: An Introduction to the Study of the Middle Ages. New York:  Palgrave, 2005.
                Caferro, William.  Contesting the Renaissance.  Maldon, MA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.
                Highet, Gilbert. The Classical Tradition: Greek and Roman Influence on Western Literature. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015 [pp. v-xi,xv-xl,1-254, 541-49].

               In addition to the above, there are relevant texts hyperlinked to this electronic syllabus or available through Texas Tech Library electronic databases. Guest instructors will provide hand-outs or Web texts of modest length which should be read prior to their classes.  Access to these assignments will be provided a week or more in advance.

Required Reading
            Some specific reading assignments for each class are listed below in the "Reading and Lecture Schedule," placed just ahead and to the right of the lecture date by which they should be completed. Each assignment is the subject of the following lecture or discussion. Read so that you arrive in class prepared to explain, praise, criticize, and question.  

Class Attendance
            
Success in this course requires regular class attendance. When this seminar meets, difficult reading assignments are interpreted and contextualized; and additional subject matter may be introduced.  Lecturers will often be experts in disciplines outside of your home departments, and you cannot ask them questions if you are not in attendance. You should not be enrolled if you cannot attend 80% of the scheduled classes (that is, do not miss more than four classes).

Examinations
            There will be two written examinations. The first, on Wednesday March 6, written in class, will include identifications (from a list prepared in advance) and a single essay to be selected from two or more choices.  The second examination will be a take-home project, due at 5:00pn Tuesday May 15, that requires you to describe the medieval and renaissance studies paradigms of four different academic disciplines (each individual description to be no longer than 500 words).   

Term Paper
            Students will produce a typed double-spaced paper of about ten pages (ca. 4000 -5000 words) describing and analyzing the medieval and Renaissance teaching and research carried out on this Texas Tech University campus in one particular academic department or program (one approved by the lead teacher, who will not approve papers on departments that lack teaching and research in these fields).  The paper should include specific references to courses, faculty members, research and publications, etc.  It should examine what is currently done, aspirations for the future, and the level of coordination with related programs in other TTU departments.  When appropriate, this analysis may include connections between TTU efforts and national and international efforts in medieval and renaissance studies. 
            A subject (that is, an academic department) must be proposed by Wednesday, March 6 (one question on the first exam will be "What is your research subject?"); a preliminary draft of the paper is due on Wednesday, April 10 (a draft must be submitted by April 10 or a grade of F will be assigned with no opportunity allowed for rewriting).  Graded timely papers will be returned on Monday, April 17.  Either the initial grade can be kept or the paper can be rewritten and resubmitted for a new grade.  No rewritten papers will be accepted after 7:00pm on Saturday, May 11 by 7:30pm.

Book Reviews
        Over the course of the semester, each student will write three book reviews, from books and articles assigned. Each review should not be much longer than about two double-spaced typed pages.  Students should be prepared to report orally in class on works they have reviewed. 

Medieval History in Film Visions of the Pre-Modern World
          
  A "film festival" on Francis of Assisi is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, April 17, from 6:00-9:30pm (pizza provided). Come see how three different film directors interpreted the story of Francis of Assisi.  This event modifies of regular class hours, so pleae mark your calendars and arrange your schedule now.

Extra Credit Opportunities
            Medieval and Renaissance Professional Conferences:
  Attend and write a three-page repot on an approved medieval or renaissance studies conference. One example of such a conferrnce would be the Southcentral Renaissance Conference (SCRC) which will be hosted by Texas Tech on April 11-13. Write a three-page paper describing the utility (or uselessness)  of the conference as determined by your own conference experiences.


            Bonus Points for Examples of "Dark Age" and "Golden Age" Ideologies:
 Students can win extra-credit points by nominating and submitting a text or other media sample that is chosen as the winning entry in one of the five award contests described below.  Each student is limited to no more than one dozen total entries, to be be submitted as appropriate among the contests.  The winners will be determined by vote of the students in class, a vote which is advisory to the lead teacher who will approve/make the final decisions.  
           
Winning entries will be sought for: 
                    1) The passage of relatively contemprary print or film dialogue judged to be the most extreme (best? or worst?)  example of "mock medieval dialect" or "mock renaissance dialect."  These are the jargons used by participants in Renaissance Pleasure Faires:  for example, "Look hard for the truth!" rendered as "Through full care thee mede of wisdom seekest thou!"
                    2) the most extreme (best? or worst?) relatively contemporary printed or film example of “Dark Age” or“Golden Age" stereotyping of the medieval and/or renaissance periods;
                    3) the best justification published by a modern or contemporary author for studying medieval and/or renaissance European civilization;
                    4) the best justification published by a modern or contemporary author for not studying medieval and/or renaissance European civilization; and
                    5) identification of the published modern or contemporary scholarly theoretical analysis of a medieval or renaissance subject which is voted most likely to offend and outrage a reasonably educated but non-academic general Lubbock audience.

 

GRADING
            The course grade will be computed as follows: 30% from the two midterm tests (that is, 15% from each); 30% from the three book reviews (10% from each); 30% from the term paper; and 10% from class participation. The class participation grade is based on attendance, class preparation, and class contributions. Outstanding students get the class-participation percentage credited as an `A'; those adequate but undistinguished have the points dropped out of the average (so that they neither help nor hurt); those below acceptable standards have them credited as an `F.'
           
Two extra credit opportunities are provided.  The two students who submit the most prize-winning entries of examples of "Dark Age" and "Golden Age" Ideologies (as described above under "extra credit opportunities)" will receive an extra 5% of A credit.  A student who attends and satisfactorily reports on an approved medieval or renaissance conference will receive 5% of A credit.  These credits are added within the 100% base.

UNIVERSITY NOTICES   

Religious Holy Days
            "Religious holy day" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Texas Tax Code §11.20. A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that intention known in writing to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. A student who is excused under this provision may not be penalized for the absence; however, the instructor may respond appropriately if the student fails to complete the assignment satisfactorily.

ADA Statement
            Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s office hours. Please note: instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, please contact Student Disability Services in West Hall or call 806-742-2405.

TTU Statement of Academic Integrity:
            A
cademic integrity is taking responsibility for one’s own work, being individually accountable, and demonstrating intellectual honesty and ethical behavior. Academic integrity is a personal choice to abide by the standards of intellectual honesty and responsibility. Because education is a shared effort to achieve learning through the exchange of ideas, students, faculty, and staff have the collective responsibility to build mutual trust and respect.  Ethical behavior and independent thought are essential for the highest level of academic achievement, which then must be measured. Academic achievement includes scholarship, teaching and learning, all of which are shared endeavors. Grades are a device used to quantify the successful accumulation of knowledge through learning. Adhering to the standards of academic integrity ensures that grades are earned honestly and gives added value to the entire educational process. Academic integrity is the foundation upon which students, faculty, and staff build their educational and professional careers.
            Students are responsible for understanding the principles and policies regarding academic integrity at Texas Tech University, and abide by them in all class and/or course work at the University. Academic misconduct violations are outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. The University policies and procedures regarding academic integrity can be found in the Code of Student Conduct , online in the Student Handbook.
            It is the aim of the faculty of Texas Tech University to foster a spirit of complete honesty and high standard of integrity. The attempt of students to present as their own any work not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a most serious offence and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension.
            Academic or “Scholastic” dishonesty includes, but it not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying academic records, misrepresenting facts, and any act designed to give unfair academic advantage to the student (such as, but not limited to, submission of essentially the same written assignment for two courses without the prior permission of the instructor) or the attempt to commit such an act.

READING AND LECTURE SCHEDULE

Jan 16       Introduction  / Discussion on the Shape of the Second Half of the Course / Introduction to
Medieval & Renaissance Organizations

Bull 1-61; Caferro 1-97; Medieval as Metaphor

Jan 23       Periodization and Conceptualization           

Caferro 98-125; classical images; Read Highet, Classical Tradition v-xi,xv-xl, 1-254, 541-49, and write a book review based upon the assigned sections

W  Jan 30        Classical Traditions    

Read Blanning, Romantic Revolution ; Sir Walter Scott, "Christmas" ; Houses of Parliament ; Downton Abbey ; Fuseli nightmare

Feb 6      The Romantic Tradition and “Medievalism”

Bull 62-102; Caffaro 126-212; Patrick J. Geary, "Writing the Nation"; Andrew Lynch, "War, Church, and the Medieval...for Children"; Lynn T. White Jr., "The Legacy of the Middle Ages in the American Wild West," Speculum 40 (1965): 191-202 [access through JSTOR]. Howe as Teleologist. Write a two-page review of Geary, Lynch, or White 

Feb 13      Medieval & Renaissance Roots of Western Culture                         

Bull 102-41; Green Man;  read & review an item from “The Middle Ages and  the Renaissance as Alterity"  

W Feb 20       The "New” Medieval and Renaissance Studies 

Paleography Paleographical Terms;  Peruse Notre Dame Paleographical Resources; Visit the Museum of Texas Tech University (SE corner of 4th Street & Indiana, open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 1-5pm) and survey the exhibit on "Pre Modern Bibles: From the Dead Sea Scrolls to the Complutensian Polyglot Bible"--study the scripts and illustrations and formatting of medieval bibles.  

W Feb 27       Paleography and Manuscript Studies 

Study for Examination #1; "Using Archives," "Survival Guide to Archival Research,"; peruse Library Resources & Internet Resources

W  Mar 6        Examination  / Panel on Medieval and Renaissance History  (Jacob Baum, Stefano D'Amico, and Lane Sobehrad, TTU History)

[Sat-Sun          March 9-16           Spring Vacation] 

Kiséry & Determann;  Lake; Palliser ; Milton Debate

W Mar 20      English Renaissance Literature and History (Abigail Swingen, History, and Ryan Hackenbracht and Matt Hunter, English)

Bede et al.; Bryan, "Collaborative Meaning"

W  Mar 27     Medieval English Literature (Brian McFadden and Julie Couch, TTU English)
                                        CLASS MEETS in ENGLISH 359 at 7:00pm

Read Thomas Forrest Kelly, Early Music: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011) 

W Apr 3         Medieval & Renaissance Music (Angela Marianni and Stacey Jocoy, Music)
                                       CLASS MEETS in MUSIC 125
at 7:00pm   

Animal Fabliaux ; Libro de buen amor ; Sultan Cervantes.  Finish preliminary draft of your term project

  W Apr  10   Medieval and Renaissance Romance Literature (John Beusterien, Spanish; Lucas Wood, French)

                                        Stepahnie Trigg, "Review: Filming the Middle Ages," Studies in the Age of Chaucer,34 (2012): 365-68 [access through TTU Library Project Muse];
                                        another review of Bildhauer

W Apr 17     Medieval and Renaissance Civilization in Film: Francis of Assisi.   6:00-9:30pm (pizza provided): note that this class will start an hour early. 
                     Please mark your calendars and arrange your schedules accordingly.
 CLASS MEETS in HOLDEN HALL 106 at 6:00pm   

                          
           Brian Tierney, "Idea of Natural Rights"; DNA from MSS ; Archeoentomology ; Archeobotany ; GIS DARMC ; Laser Mass Spectrocopy ; Multispectral imaging  

W Apr 24      Studying Medieval and Renaissance Law (Bruce Brasington, History, WTAMU) | New Technologies, NewTechniques (Dating Techniques, DNA, Archeoentemology, Megadata Statistics, etc.)

Angenendt, Smith, Weigert: ; "To See Ouselves..."; Schmitter

W  May 1      Medieval & Renaissance Art (Janis Elliott, Brian Steele, Art)
                                        CLASS MEETS in ART B02 at 7:00pm

Work on class paper and take-home exam

W May 8   Dead Day]

                                      Work on class paper and take-home exam

 Saturday  May 11          7:30pm to 10:30pm     FINAL EXAMINATION TIME SLOT:  Discussion on Medieval and Renaissance  Studies at TTU / Awarding of the Class Prizes.

Tu May 17   9:00 am          Deadline for receiving class papers, extra credit reports, etc.

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