History 349.01: Medieval Russia
Spring 2012 Weds. 6-9 PM
M. Hickey Office OSH 130
mhickey@bloomu.edu 570-389-4161
Office Hours: T-Th, 2:00-3:30; Weds, 4:00-6:00
Syllabus shortcuts:
Course policies Directions for graded assignments Weekly syllabus
Links On Endnote Form and On Plagiarism Link to the "Verification Document" Form
Course Description: This course provides an intensive introduction to major themes and problems in the study of early Russian history. We will focus on the political, social and cultural history of Kievan Rus, the Rus lands under the Mongols, and the Muscovite state up to Russia’s “Time of Troubles” at the end of the 1500s.
Course Goals: This course will familiarize students with major themes and problems in the study of early Russian history. We also will use early Russian history to elucidate larger questions regarding the interrelationship of cultures and the study of history itself. Students will engage in the historian’s craft by reading, analyzing, discussing and writing about major works by historians (secondary sources) and contemporary documents (primary sources).
Student Learning Objectives:
· Analyze significant issues in early Russian history, based upon assigned readings.
· Identify, explain, compare and contrast historians’ interpretations of significant issues in early Russian history, based upon assigned readings.
· Analyze and contextualize assigned primary source documents regarding early Russian history.
· Formulate logical, clearly-worded, accurate responses to questions concerning significant issues in early Russian history, both in writing (formal papers) and in speaking (class
discussion).
Methods: This course is a reading seminar, in which the instructor guides students in reading and discussing works by historians as well as primary source materials (historical documents). When necessary, the instructor will present brief lectures to provide students with context for their readings.
Topics covered: This course is organized chronologically. Beginning with the history of the Rus lands in the 900s and ending in the late 1500s, we will examine aspects of the political, economic, military, diplomatic, cultural, and social history. We will treat the 600 years covered in this course as six chronological “periods”:
The formative period of the Kievan Rus state (900s-1000s);
The Kievan Rus period to the Mongol conquests (1000s-1200s);
The period of Mongol suzerainty (1200s-1300s);
The formative period of the Muscovite state (1300s-1400s);
Muscovy in the 1400s-1500s;
The reign of Ivan IV (“the Terrible”) and the end of Riurikid dynastic rule (late 1500s).
Graded Assignments:
The instructions and grading criteria for each assignment are explained later in this syllabus.
Class participation (20 percent of grade): Seminar discussions depend upon the active and informed contribution of all participants. Students are expected to attend all class sessions, having already completed reading assignments and prepared for discussion.
Two in-class presentations on individualized reading assignments (5 percent each; total of 10 percent of the grade): Each student will be assigned specific documents related to our common readings, and must report on these in class. Failure to attend class for a scheduled presentation (an unexcused absence) will result in failure on the assignment.
Two document analysis papers (10 percent each; total of 20 percent of the grade): In conjunction with the in-class presentations of students’ individualized reading assignments (above), each student will write three document analysis papers. Each individual document analysis paper will be due on the Friday following the relevant in-class presentation. Papers will be accepted only from students who present the material in class as scheduled. I will not accept late papers.
Two précis papers (15 percent each; total of 30 percent): Students will summarize arguments presented in the two monographs that we are reading this semester (by Halperin, and by Perrie and Pavlov), then compare and contrast those arguments to the arguments made in the text by Martin. Papers are due on the dates indicated in the syllabus. I will not accept late papers.
Course final paper, on a designated historiographic theme (20 percent of course grade): Before the end of the semester, I will assign the class a question on a historiogaphic theme. Answering this question will require review of evidence and arguments presented in all assigned course readings. This paper is due on the date of our final exam. I will not accept late papers
Course grade scale:
A = >920 A- = 919-900
B+ =899-880 B = 879-820 B- = 819-800
C+ = 799-780 C =779-720 C- = 719-700
D+ = 699-680 D = 679-600 F = <600
Required Texts:
Martin, Janet. Medieval Russia, 980-1584. 2nd Ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008.
Dymytryshyn, Basil, ed.. Medieval Russia: A Source Book, 850-1700. Gulf Breeze, Fl.: Academic International, 2000. (This is a reprint of the 1990 3rd edition published by Holt, Reinhart, and Winston.)
Halperin, Charles. Russia and the Golden Horde: The Mongol Impact on Medieval Russian History. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1987.
Perrie, Maureen and Andre Pavlov. Ivan the Terrible. London: Longman, 2003
Course policies:
Verification that you have read the syllabus and course policies (mandatory):
I require that you sign a form verifying that you: a) have read this syllabus; b) are aware of course policies and procedures.
Follow this link to fill out the form: Link to the "Verification Document" Form
If you have questions about the syllabus, course policies, or assignments, it is your responsibility to ask those questions. It is my responsibility to answer those questions as clearly and directly as possible.
I will not grade any of your assignments until you have verified that you have read the syllabus and are aware of course policies and procedures.
Plagiarism Policy:
This course has a zero tolerance policy regarding plagiarism and other forms of cheating. For the definitions of plagiarism as they apply to this course, see this link on plagiarism.
If I determine that you have cheated or plagiarized on any assignment, I will strictly follow university guidelines: a) You will receive a failing grade for the assignment; b) I may file a formal report with BU’s Student Standards Board, which can lead to your academic dismissal; c) if you are found to have cheated or plagiarized more than once in this course, you will fail the course.
The University's Academic Integrity Policy and an explanation of the appeals process regarding violations of academic integrity can be found in the online version of the BU student handbook, The Pilot.
Attendance policy:
Attendance of all regularly scheduled sessions is mandatory, except in cases of excused absences (which are explained below).
Excused absences:
An excused absence refers to a case when a student misses class because of illness, a family emergency, or a University-related event, and has either informed the instructor in writing, in advance or provided the instructor with University-approved documentation excusing the absence after the fact.
Mandatory Paper Form:
The following form requirements apply for all papers (in digital or paper format).
ü Papers must be in 12 point Times Roman font, double spaced, with a one inch margins.
ü Your name must be in the top right hand corner of p. 1.
ü No cover pages!
ü If the paper is submitted digitally, your name must be in the file title.
ü Number all pages (preferred, number bottom center).
ü Staple papers in the top left hand corner for paper submissions.
ü Do not "double-skip" between paragraphs. (In Word, use the “paragraph” menu, and check “Don’t add space between paragraphs of the same style.”)
ü All quotations must be in quotation marks. (The only exception is for block quotations—for quotations that are more than four lines of text, which are double indented as a “block.”)
ü Cite the source of all quotations, paraphrases, and direct summaries using correct endnotes. (Exception = précis papers). Use the course link On Endnote Form.
ü To prevent plagiarism and to use notes properly, see the links On Plagiarism and On Endnote Form.
Specific instructions for assignments:
Class participation (10 percent of grade):
Perfect attendance alone will earn you a D for class participation.
To earn a grade above a D, you must actively participate in class discussions. Your participation must be based upon having completed read and thought about the course reading assignments.
I will assess your participation based upon your preparation for class as demonstrated during seminar discussions of reading materials (“large group” and “small group” discussions).
For each class session, I will assign you a mark of 0-4 for participation.
0 represents failure to attend class.
1 represents inadequate preparation, as demonstrated during discussions.
2 represents minimal adequate preparation, as demonstrated during discussions
3 indicates good preparation, as demonstrated during discussions
4 indicates excellent preparation, as demonstrated during discussions
Preparation for each class session is essential to your participation in class:
Complete all common reading assignments before coming to class. I expect you to come to class with written notes on your readings.
If, in advance of the class session, I have provided you with discussion questions on readings, you must complete answering those questions (and have written notes on your answers) before coming to class.
If, in advance of the class session, I have asked you to prepare to present or discuss specific reading material (either alone or as part of a group), you must complete that material before coming to class and be prepared to present or discuss it on the basis of written notes.
I may ask you to turn in your written notes, or I may give you a “pop quiz” on the
readings. If I do so, my assessment of your notes and/or your score on the quiz will
be factored into that week’s participation mark.
Your semester participation grade will be based upon the average of your accumulated discussion points. (The average is determined by dividing your accumulated discussion points by the number of course sessions.)
An average of less than 1 represents an F (<120 points)
An average of between 1 and 1.5 represents a D (120-135 points)
An average of between 1.5 and 2 represents a D+ (136-139 points)
An average of between 2 and 2.2 represents a C- (140-145 points)
An average of between 2.2 and 2.8 represents a C (146-155 points)
An average of between 2.8 and 3 represents a C+ (156-159 points)
An average of between 3 and 3.2 represents a B- (160-165 points)
An average of between 3.3 and 3.8 represents a B (166-175 points)
An average of between 3.8 and 4 represents a B+ (176-179 points)
An average of 4 represents an A (180-200 points)
Two in-class presentations on individualized reading assignments (5 percent each; total of 10 percent of the grade):
I will assign each student specific documents from Dmytryshyn, Medieval Russia: A Source Book.
Dmytryshyn introduces each document with brief “header,” which is double-indented and in a relatively smaller and lighter font than the document text. You must first read the header, and then carefully read and take notes on the actual document.
In your report, you must answer all of the following questions (to the extent that available information allows):
2. When and where was this document written?
Your grade on in-class reports will be based upon your ability to answer these questions, and on the accuracy, quality, and thoroughness of your answers.
Failure to present a report on the assigned date, or failure to accurately respond to any of
the questions, will result in a grade of F (<30 points)
A report that accurately responds to:
questions 1-3 alone will result in a grade of D (30-34.5 points)
questions 1-6 alone will result in a grade of C (35-39.5 points)
questions 1-6, and presents an accurate response to questions 7 and 8, will result in a
grade of B (40-44.5 points)
questions 1-6 and presents a detailed, accurate, and insightful response to
questions 7 and 8, will result in a grade of A (45-50 points)
Two document analysis papers (10 percent each; total of 20 percent of the grade):
Students must write a document analysis paper in conjunction with each of their in-class presentations on assigned documents. Each document analysis paper will be due on the Friday following the relevant in-class presentation. Papers will be accepted only from students who present the material in class as scheduled. I will not accept late papers.
The document analysis papers must follow all form instructions for papers (above).
In particular, these papers require correct endnote citations!
The document analysis papers must be written as essays, composed of logically and
organizationally-coherent paragraphs.
I will consider serious and recurrent errors in grammar, syntax, punctuation, or
word usage as failure to provide clear and coherent explanations.
Part One of each paper (one or two paragraphs) must explain who wrote the
document, when and where it was written, and who the intended audience
was. The first part of the paper must also explain the historical context in
which the document was written.
Part Two of each paper (one to three paragraphs) must explain the document’s
most obvious meanings—what it says at the "surface level." You also must
explain the specific evidence that supports your interpretation of the
document’s "surface" meaning.
Part Three of each paper (one to four paragraphs) must analyze the document in its
historical contexts and explain what the document can tell us as historians
about particular issues in the study of medieval Russia. You also must
explain the specific evidence that supports your interpretation of the
document’s "deeper" historical meanings.
Your grade on the document analysis papers will be based on the accuracy, logic, and clarity of your explanations regarding the document and its historical contexts.
Failure to submit the paper on the assigned date, failure to follow the required paper form
(including citation form), or failure to accurately address the issues outlined in the
assignment will result in a grade of F (<60 points)
A paper that presents clear, logical, and accurate explanations for:
Part One alone will result in a grade of D (60-69 points)
Parts One and Two alone will result in a grade of C (70-79 points)
Parts One and Two, and also presents an accurate and detailed response to Part
Three, will result in a grade of B (80-89 points)
Parts One and Two, and also presents an accurate, detailed and insightful response
to Part Three, will result in a grade of A (90-100 points)
Two précis papers (15 percent each; total of 30 percent):
Précis Paper 1: In 2-4 paragraphs, summarize the thesis (the main, central arguments) presented in Halperin, Russia and the Golden Horde; then, in 1-3 paragraphs, compare and contrast Halperin’s main argument to what Martin argued about the impact of the Mongols on Russia in her book Medieval Russia. (Directions below.)
Précis Paper 2: In 2-4 paragraphs, summarize the thesis (the main, central arguments) presented in Perrie and Pavlov, Ivan the Terrible; then, in 1-3 paragraphs, compare and contrast their main argument to what Martin argues about Ivan IV’s policies in her book Medieval Russia. (Directions below.)
Directions for précis papers:
You must explain the main arguments (the thesis) of the book, then compare and contrast .
Remember, the topic of a book is “what the book is about.” (The topic of the Halperin book is the Mongol impact on medieval Russia; the topic of the Perrie and Pavlov book is the policies of Tsar Ivan IV).
The thesis of a book is that main argument(s) that the author is making about that topic. (What is the main point/what are the main points that Halperin makes about the Mongol impact on Russia? What is the main point/what are the main points that Perrie and Pavlov make about the policies of Ivan IV?)
I am asking you to explain the thesis!!
The paper must follow the standard instructions for paper form (above), with this
exception: the entire paper must be presented in your own words! No
quoting!!
It must be written as an essay, composed of logically and organizationally coherent
paragraphs.
I will consider serious and recurrent errors in grammar, syntax, punctuation, or
word usage as failure to provide clear and coherent explanations.
You must use clear and direct language. Anyone with a basic understanding of the
topic should be able to understand your explanation.
In 2-4 paragraphs, explain the thesis of the book accurately.
In 1-3 paragraphs, compare and contrast the thesis of this book to what Martin
argued about this same topic.
Papers are due on the dates indicated in the weekly syllabus. I will not accept late papers.
Failure to submit the paper on the assigned date, failure to follow the required paper form,
or failure to accurately explain arguments as outlined in the assignment will result
in a grade of F (<90 points)
A paper that presents clear, logical, and
at least partially accurate explanations of the book’s thesis will result in a grade of D
(90-104 points)
mostly accurate explanations of the book’s thesis will result in a grade of C (105-119
points)
fully accurate explanations of the book’s thesis and a mostly accurate comparison
and contrast to Martin will result in a grade of B (120-134 points)
fully accurate explanations of the book’s thesis and a fully accurate comparison and
contrast to Martin will result in a grade of A (135-150 points)
Course final paper, on a designated historiographic theme (20 percent of course grade):
By Week 13 of the semester, I will assign the class a question on a historiographic theme.
Answering this question will require review of evidence and arguments presented in all assigned course readings. I will give you the specific instructions for the assignment with the question.
The final paper is due on the date of our final exam. I will not accept late papers
The final paper must follow all form instructions for papers (above). In particular,
these papers require correct endnote citations!
The final papers must be written as essays, composed of logically and organizationally
coherent paragraphs.
I will consider serious and recurrent errors in grammar, syntax, punctuation, or word
usage as failure to provide clear and coherent explanations.
The paper must accurately and logically answer the assigned question.
The paper must accurately and logically present evidence from all books assigned for
this course.
The paper must accurately and logically fit the evidence into historical context.
The paper must accurately and logically explain any differences (contradictions or
conflicts) between evidence found in different assigned readings.
Failure to submit the final paper on the assigned date, failure to follow the required paper
form (including endnote citation form), or failure to accurately answer the question
outlined in the assignment will result in a grade of F (<120 points)
A paper that presents clear, logical, and
at least partially accurate arguments based on proper evidence will result in a grade
of D (120-139 points)
mostly accurate arguments based on proper evidence and an accurate discussion of
historical contexts will result in a grade of C (140-159 points)
fully accurate arguments based on proper evidence and an accurate discussion of
historical contexts will result in a grade of B (160-179
points)
fully accurate explanations based on proper evidence and an accurate discussion of
historical contexts, with an accurate comparison and contrast of evidence
will result in a grade of A (180-200 points)
Weekly schedule:
The reading assignments listed here are the common readings that must be completed by all students. I expect you to complete the readings, take written notes, and answer any pre-assigned study questions before coming to class.
I will provide you with a separate schedule of individualized document in-class report assignments (via BOLT). Your document analysis papers are due on the Friday after your report.
Martin refers to Janet Martin, Medieval Russia.
Dmytryshyn refers to Basil Dmytryshyn, ed., Medieval Russia: A Source Book
Halperin refers to Charles Halperin, Russia and the Golden Horde
Perrie and Pavlov refers to Maureen Perrie and Andre Pavlov, Ivan the Terrible
Week1 (Weds., Jan. 25)
Introduction to the course
Discussion of the syllabus
Overview of major historical questions concerning Medieval Russia.
Week 2 (Weds, Feb. 1)
The formation of the Kievan Rus state.
Readings: Martin, Table of Contents to the end of Chapter 1
Dmytryshyn, documents 1-7 (pages 2-35)
Week 3 (Weds, Feb. 8)
The politics of succession and the political structure of the Kievan state
Readings: Martin, Chapter 2
Dmytryshyn, documents 8-16 (pages 36-97)
Week 4 (Weds., Feb. 15)
Kievan society and the decline of the Kievan state system
Readings: Martin, chapters 3 and 4
Dmytryshyn, documents 17-21 (pages 97-132)
Week 5 (Weds., Feb. 22)
The Period of Mongol Suzerainty, I
Readings: Martin, Chapters 5 and 6
Dmytryshyn, documents 22-31 (pages 146-186)
Week 6 (Weds., Feb. 29)
The Period of Mongol Suzerainty, II
Readings: Halperin, Table of Contents to end of Chapter V (p.60)
Week 7 (Weds., March 7)
The Period of Mongol Suzerainty, III
Readings: Halperin, Chapter VI to the end of the text (p.130)
SPRING BREAK NO CLASS WEDS. MARCH 14
Week 8 (Weds., March 21)
The Rise of Moscow (Muscovy)
Readings: Martin, Chapters 7 and 8
Dmytryshyn, documents 32-38 (pages 190-222)
Précis Paper 1 due in class
Week 9 (Weds., March 28)
The Muscovite State and Society before Ivan IV
Readings: Martin, Chapters 9 and 10
Dmytryshyn, documents 39-43 (pages 222-275)
Week 10 (Weds., April 4)
The Reign of Ivan IV, Part I
Readings: Martin, Chapter 11
Dmytryshyn, documents 44-50 (pages 276-308)
Week 11 (Weds., April 11)
The Reign of Ivan IV, Part II
Readings: Perrie and Pavlov, Table of Contents to end of Chapter 5 (p. 106)
Week 12 (Weds., April 18)
The Reign of Ivan IV, Part III
Readings: Perrie and Pavlov, Chapter 6 to the end of the text (p. 207)
Week 13 (Weds., April 25)
The Origins of the Time of Troubles/ Starting to Sum Up
Readings: Martin, Chapter 12
Dmytryshyn, documents 51-52 (pages 309-332)
Précis Paper Two due in class
Week 14 (Weds., May 2)
Making Sense of What We Have Learned This Semester
Finals Week COURSE FINAL PAPER DUE Weds. May 9