Course Synopsis:

Invitation to History

Introduces students to the basics of the historian’s craft including interpreting primary sources, locating and critically analysing secondary sources and writing for History. In a small class of 50 students or less, it will provide you with the tools you need for success in your History major, minor or area of concentration.

SECTION 01: Crime and Culture

Crime and its prosecution provide a window onto the culture of societies. This course studies different types of criminal acts, such as homicide, witchcraft, theft and slander, and how they were prosecuted in Europe from the Middle Ages to the modern period. Definitions of crime change over time; the course examines what the definition of particular behaviours as criminal can reveal about the societies in which they were punished. It also examines episodes such as the Black Death and the European witch-hunt which led to the criminalization of particular groups.  Extensive use of historical court records will help recover the experiences of people in the past.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon finishing this course, students will learn:
1)    how to distinguish between a scholarly and a non-scholarly source
2)    how to manage their time in University for success
3)    how to cite sources appropriately in history classes
4)    how to distinguish between important information and unnecessary details
5)    what is academic misconduct and how to avoid it
6)    how to improve their oral and written communication
7)    that historical interpretations change over time and in response to evidence
8)    that history is a global enterprise and the value of understanding the history of different cultures, regions and states.

Methods of Evaluation:

Class participation    15% (including participation log)
Assignment 1         5%
Assignment 2        10%
Essay                   30%
Midterm            15%
Final exam        25%

Texts and Other Resources:

Textbook TBA
Most readings will be made available on reserve through Courselink.

*Please note:  This is a preliminary web course description only.  The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description.  The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.