315--Intro: Class-Why Early Modern Europe? -Our world, but it’s not -unique chance to explore the creation of modernity that we’re all living with. -For next: start thinking of things in our world that come from this time period Me: French travel, science, philosophy, exploration Office Hours: Attendance: -required -any missed classes are bad -beyond 3, guaranteed severe penalty -Next Monday-assigned seating Study Questions: -point? -requirements -computers available for written work -conference center -writing center-first floor Lectures: -discussion always welcome -develop own interpretation but welcome others -facts/dates vs opinions Exams: -full chance to show understanding -challenging but no tricks -some review guidelines given academic honesty: -no cheating! Study Habits
-consistent effort rewarded Reading: -done by end of week -not necessarily same as lecture -textbook vs. sourcebook -reward consistent effort reading a primary source: -read section in Kishlansky -three levels of reading: 1. Content: What is the content? what is it claiming? What point does it make? 2. Context: What is the context in which it was written? Who wrote it and why? What was the intended audience? 3. Meaning: What does it tell you about the society in which it was produced? How can we pick apart the language and find the hidden assumptions that reveal a worldview and a culture? 4. What does it mean to you? How can it inform you about your society? What does it mean to you? Example: Cat massacre Meaningful issues: -Moral, religious, ethical -Not about faith or religious practice -Historical context, not criticism of content. -Nobody converts -if they weren’t there we’d be doing something wrong. -Benefits: new appreciation for history of your beliefs, identity