FINAL INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for your hard work this term. As I explained at the outset, we could not hope cover the Renaissance and Reformation worlds exhaustively. Rather, the course sought to give you a sample or taste that would stimulate further curiosity. Thus it sought to introduce certain fundamental events, concepts, and information. I hope you came away with a sense of the states and societies of Europe, the crises that they endured, the debates that they prompted. I hope that we also introduced you to certain crucial cultural phenomena: above all, the various elements of the circuit of communication, from author to reader; the fundamental features of manuscript and print culture; the implications of literacy, and so forth.

Above all, I hope that you came away with something greater than the sum of these individual parts: a sense of history, a feeling for the varieties of culture, and in particular, the ability to take critical principles and apply them on your own.

As you evaluate your performance in the class, think back to the beginning of the semester. Try to recall where you were then, intellectually. How much did you know about the era in question? Ask yourselves, further: Do you see historical, political, and cultural issues differently now? Do you find it easier to read works of literature or scholarship? Have your reading speed and comprehension increased? Do you find it easier to understand new terms and ideas based on the context of the reading? Do you find it easier to think conceptually, that is, locate a new idea or fact in a general inerpretive framework. Do you find it easier to organize and formulate your ideas in written form?

All work is due (in my mailbox in the Social Science mailroom—FPH 217 —not under my door) by 3:30 p.m., Friday, 13 December.

• Incompletes (extensions) for required course work will be granted only to students who have completed earlier work and made arrangements in advance.

• I will read your papers and prepare your evaluations in the most timely manner possible. In order to assist me in these tasks, please do the following:

1) Complete a self-evaluation. (Central Records will have sent you instructions on how to do this via The Hub.) Note, by the way, that this is where you evaluate your performance, not the course itself. (There will separate forms for the latter purpose.)

2) Turn in all your written work at the end of the semester. The opportunity to review the entire collection of papers (in addition to our notes on your performance) will enable me to write the fairest, most accurate course evaluation possible.

3) Be sure that the earlier papers you turn in (preferably photocopies) contain my comments.

4) For safety's sake, please make sure that you retain copies of all your written work.

5) Place all your work in the proverbial self-addressed envelope (postage-paid if you want the material sent to an off-campus address; the College will not pay for mailing).

Thank you for an exciting semester. Enjoy your vacation!