Prof. Andrea Sterk	Office:  220 Keene-Flint;  Phone:  273-3083
E-mail:  sterk@history.ufl.edu	Office Hours:  M, 2:00-3:00; T, 3:00-4:00; or by appointment

Introduction
What is history?  This seemingly simple question is acutally quite complex.  Though for many it may be watching the History Channel or reading a popular account of the Crusades or World War II, the study of the human past is remarkably complicated.  What is the role of the professional historian, and what skills do historians need to do their work?  These are among the questions we will be addressing in the History Practicum, a course that introduces new majors to the professional study of history today.

This course will operate on two levels.  Like most history courses, the History Practicum is organized around a central theme.  Our lectures and readings this semester will focus on the theme of religion and violence in the pre-modern western world.  At the same time, we will work on mastering a set of skills that are essential for success as a historian.  You will learn to identify and evaluate source material.  You will learn how to read primary and secondary sources critically.  You will be exposed to a variety of methodologies that historians use to understand the past.  You will develop a set of research skills that will help you produce a solid research paper.  In sum, this course will give you the tools that will help you get the most of the history major and excel in the other courses and seminars that you will take in the department.

Format of class
Students meet twice each week for this two-credit course.  Each week there will be a common lecture that all students are required to attend.  In addition there will be a small group precept session devoted to discussion, workshop themes, or library visits.

Attendance policy and expectations
Students will normally attend two classes each week:  a common lecture and smaller precept or discussion session.  Students are expected to attend class regularly and arrive for lecture or discussion section promptly.  A heavy penalty will be imposed on students who arrive late for class.  Attendance is mandatory for discussion sections.  Unexcused absences will be penalized in the following manner:

History classes are most rewarding when students interact with the texts, each other, and the instructor on a sustained basis. Readings provide the raw material for class discussion, where much of the learning takes place.  Effective class participation is therefore essential. Students can expect a respectful atmosphere in which to express their opinions.

Late work will not be accepted without penalty.  Please make every effort to apprise the instructor of adverse circumstances that affect your ability to attend class or complete assignments on time.  Official documentation is required to excuse an absence and to schedule make-up assignments.

In writing papers, be certain to give proper credit whenever you use words, phrases, ideas, arguments, and conclusions drawn from someone else’s work.  Failure to give credit by quoting and/or footnoting is PLAGIARISM and is unacceptable. Please review the University’s honesty policy at www.dso.ufl.edu/judicial/.  This class will devote a session to issues of plagiarism as we more carefully define the term and discuss how, when, and where information taken from others should be cited in your own work.  Instances of plagiarism in this class will result in an automatic failure of the course.

Please do not hesitate to contact the instructor during the semester if you have any individual concerns or issues that need to be discussed. Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students Office (www.dso.ufl.edu/drp/).  The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the instructor when requesting accommodation.

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Texts (available at Goerings)

• Jules R. Benjamin, A Student's Guide to History, Tenth edition  (Boston: Bedford/St. Martins, 2007).

• Geoffrey Symcox and Blair Sullivan, eds., Christopher Columbus and the Enterprise of the Indies (Boston: Bedford/ St. Martins, 2005)

• Course Packet [= CP] —Available only at University Copy (1620 W. University, phone #:  372-7436)
  

In addition, some readings will be placed on e-reserve (ARES) at the library; others will be available through JSTOR or on webct.  These must be printed out and brought to class on the appropriate days for discussion.

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GRADE CALCULATION	GRADING SCALE
	A = 92.5-100
Introductory Op-Ed Essay:  5%	A- = 90-92.4
Class Participation, pop quizzes:  15 %	B+ = 87.5-89.9
Precept Assignments:  25%	B = 82.5-87.4
Historical Narrative:  15 %	B- = 80-82.4
Research Project:  20 %	C+ = 77.5-79.9
Final Exam:  20 %	C = 72.5-77.4
	C- = 70-72.4
	D+ = 67.5-69.9
	D = 62.5-67.4
	D- = 60-62.4
	F = Below 60

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