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Welcome History Students and Teachers!
Aquinas: Summa Theologica: Read the excerpts from Thomas Aquinas. In your SJ, create a tee chart. One side of the chart should be labeled The Noble Aquinas, and the other side should be labeled the Humble Me. Choose two of his arguments you wish to work with. In the Noble Aquinas column, rephrase his objections in your own words. After restating his objections,summarize his argument, or answer. In the Humble Me column, write a quick response to each of his objections. Next to your summary of his argument, write a brief critique.
Baudolino: Conversation About a Medieval City: An excerpt from Umberto Eco's brilliant novel. Interested in reading more fiction about the medieval period? Try Eco's mystery novel set in a 13th century monastary, The Name of the Rose or Ken Follet's page turner The Pillars of the Earth and its sequel-- set in the 14th century called World Without End. (It's even better!)
The Ascent of Money P1: The British economic historian, Niall Ferguson, wrote a very readable book on the history of finance and its impact on word history. BBC turned it into an excellent video series. In this episode, he discusses what money is and the invention of modern banking by the Medici. It fits well with our conversation about the market revolution during the late medieval and Renaissance period. Assignment: In the Assignment section of your SJ, take ten notes, noting the most important things you learn.
Machiavelli: The Prince: Niccolo Machiavelli's famous instruction manual for rulers remains one of the most important works of political philosophy to this day, and is still one of the most studied essays on power. In many ways it is the beginning of modern ways of thinking about power, leadership and ethics. We are going to be holding a Socratic Seminar on Machiavelli in class, so read it carefully-- do a "close read" of his tome; underline and make margin notes that you can refer to during our seminar. Here is the Assignment that goes with the reading. Suggested Reading: A great secondary source is the article, "Would You Buy A Used Car From This Man?" It would really help you prepare.
Thomas More: Utopia. Thomas More published Utopia in 1516, "a work of fiction primarily depicting a pagan and communist island on which social and political customs are entirely governed by reason. The description of the island of Utopia comes from a mysterious traveler to support his position that communism is the only cure for the egoism found in both private and public life—a direct jab at Christian Europe, which was seen by More as divided by self-interest and greed." (Biography.com). Assignment: Answer the questions in the document.
Nicene Creed: Council of Nicea 325 C.E. The Nicene Creed (Greek: Σύμβολον τῆς Νικαίας or, τῆς πίστεως, Latin: Symbolum Nicaenum) is a statement of belief widely used in Christian liturgy. It is called Nicene /ˈnaɪsiːn/ because it was originally adopted in the city of Nicaea (present day İznik, Turkey) by the First Council of Nicaea in 325 C. E..
Martin Luther: 95 Thesis. When Martin Luther posted his 95 Thesis on the door of the of the Wittenberg Castle Church on October 31, 1517 (All Saint's Eve), he sparked an enormous change in the culture and history of Europe and the world. The 95 Thesis were intended as questions to start a discussion on the validity of indulgences as a means for salvation. As a Doctor of Theology, he had a legal right to raise those questions. Please review and answer these questions: 1) In what ways did Luther attack the sale of indulgences? 2) What is Luther's message to the Germans? 3) In what ways does Luther attack the authority of the Church? Johann Tetzle responded with 55 Thesis of his own, among them, this one: "Christians should be taught that the Pope, by authority of his jurisdiction, is superior to the entire Catholic Church and its councils, and that they should humbly obey his statutes."
Martin Luther: Freedom of a Christian: One of three important essays Luther published in 1520 was the "Freedom of a Christian Man", which outlined his thesis and the basic tenets of Protestantism. Please read it and answer the following questions: 1) What role does faith play in Luther's thought? 2) How important is the Word of God? What is it according to Luther? 3) Luther believes that faith offers more hope for salvation than good works. Why is this? 4) Choose what you think is the most significant quote from the essay. Explain why you believe it to be so significant and important. Here are two interesting articles you can look at if you want to learn more about Luther: Luther and Social Media: The Economist and The Trial of Martin Luther.
John Calvin: The Institutes of the Christian Religion: John Calvin, a French contemporary of Martin Luther, established a more austere vision of Protestant theology based off the Lutheran theology. Calvinism became one of the most influential branches of reformed Christianity. Please read these excerpts and answer the following questions: 1) Describe Calvin's view of human nature. 2) How, according to Calvin, does God reveal himself? 3) Explain "predestination". 4) Scripture, or the Bible, is often at the center of Protestant beliefs. What is Calvin's view? What does this mean for the structure of society?
Dr. Gerhadt Rempel: The Thirty Years War: Professor Gerhard Rempel, worked at Western New England College. He posted a series of marvelous lectures on-line. This one on the Thirty Years War is an excellent summation of that transformational human catastrophe. Take notes in your SJ, noting the cause and consequence of each of the four phases.
Rene Descartes: Discourse on Method. Many people believe Rene Descartes to be the first modern philosopher, the first of the Enlightenment thinker to break with Aristotle and the medieval scholastic philosophers and to look for a new way to understand existential questions-- those regarding the nature of our existence. As you read this, pay attention to his criticism of earlier methods, his new method of inquiry, and his conclusions. Please read the excerpt and answer the following questions: 1) What problem do you think Descartes was trying to resolve? 2) What are the four parts to his method? In what ways do they represent the new "enlightened" ways of thinking? 3) What is Descartes famous proof of existence?
Voltaire- A Treatise on Toleration: Voltaire, the pen name of François-Marie Arouet, was perhaps the most famous writer of his time. He wrote poetry, plays, essays and novellas, often satirical. This is one of his essays; it attacks the limitations on speech and thought imposed by the French aboslute monarchy. Answer this question in your SJ: What reasons does Voltaire give that we should all tolerate each other? Do his reasons still resonate today?
Voltaire- Candide: Candide is a short book with short chapters. It was a best-seller when it was published in 1759. I have edited four chapters for you to read and then answer these questions: 1)What is Voltaire's opinion of the nobility? 2) What is Dr. Pangloss's philosophy? 3) How would you characterize Voltaire's philosophy? 4)How do Candide and his friends resolve their questions about the meaning of life? If you'd like a bigger taste, the complete text is available here: Candide.
Maria Theresa's Testement: You'll find the handout in the Assignments File. Complete questions 2-3-4-5 at the end of the document, in your Study Journal.
Catherine the Great- Grand Instructions & Other Documents Write one page in your SJ responding to the following prompt: Citing least three quotations from the documents: How does Catherine represent Enlightenment thinking in her writings? In what ways is she "old school"?
Jonathan Swift--A Modest Proposal: Don't just read this proposal- devour and digest it- it's great stuff! Jonathan Swift was an Irish Protestant writer, most famous for his novel known as "Gulliver's Travels". He was a satirist, political writer and clergyman. Write seven inches discussing why Swift wrote this, why he wrote it in the format that he did, and what he hoped to accomplish.
James I- The Trew Law of Free Monarchies: James I (Stuart) wrote a political essay defending the idea of "divine right"of kings. It is a great little "five-paragraph" essay. This is a tough read, as the language and spelling are archaic. Please answer these questions: 1) How is the King's power limited? 2) Jame's mother, Queen Mary, was overthrown and eventually executed. How is this reflected in the king's political views? 3) Why is a strong monarchy the best form of government? 4) What are the two primary metaphors James uses to describe a king's power? Look up the selection from the book of Samuel that he uses as the basis for his argument. See if you draw the same conclusion.
Thomas Hobbes-Leviathan: Answer the six questions at the top of the page.
John Locke: Essay Concerning Human Understanding: Write one page describing Locke's theory theory. Be prepared to share in class.
John Locke-Two Treatises on Government: Follow the instructions on the linked page.
Baron de Montesquieu- Spirit of the Laws: Read and answer these questions in your SJ: 1) How does Montesquieu propose that liberty is best preserved? 2)What are the problems that arise when one branch of government has too much power? 3)Who should control the army? Why?
Rousseau- Social Contract: Rousseau's Social Contract is controversial; it has been cited as justifying the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution and for justifying some of the excesses of 20th century communist states. It is also difficult to understand. Please answer these two questions in your SJ: 1)What is the "general will"? 2)How might this idea lead to political repression?
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (1789) , The American Bill of Rights (1791): These two documents were written in a relatively close time period, both as part of Revolutionary changes that were taking place. Both documents reflect enlightenment and reublican ideals. Compare the American Bill of Rights to the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. Answer these questions: 1) in what ways are they similar? 2) In what ways are they different? 3) Which provides the most protection of individual rights? 4) Is there a difference in the philosophy behind the two documents? If so, what? -OR- How do they reflect enlightment ideals? (You may also wish to compare this to English Bill of Rights of 1689.)
The Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Female Citizen(1791): Olympe de Gouges, in the fervor and promise of the early days of the French Revolution, wrote a manifesto declaring equal rights for women. This is probably one of the earliest feminist writings, demanding political equality for women. Note that it was published the same years as the American Bill of Rights was adopted. Please read it carefully, then respond in you SJ to the following questions: 1) What is her argument for the equality of women? 2) What does she believe the political role of women should be? 3) How does her proposed marriage contract differ from the prevailing notions of marriage? 4) Does she rebuke the role of wife and mother?
Reflection on the Revolution in France (1791): Edmund Burke, an Anglo-Irish politician and political thinker disliked the direction the French Revolution was heading. Please analyze his arguments by responding to the following questions in your SJ: 1) Why was he hesitant to celebrate the liberty the Revolution seemed to promise? 2)Why does he decry the end of chivalry and the class system in Europe? What advantage does he see in preserving it? What disadvantage does he see in its destruction? 3)What's his criticism of the National Assembly? (Do NOT simply cut and paste the last line. Read the last full paragraph carefully.)
Adam Smith: The Wealth of Nations. In 1776, Adam Smith published his masterpiece, The Wealth of Nations, which is viewed as the foundation of the social science of economics. Interestingly, it is both a work about how economies function and moral behavior; Smith occupied the chair of moral philosophy at Glasgow University. Read this excerpt and answer the accompanying questions.
Buchholz: We Can All Be Rich. In his book, The Second Coming of Adam Smith, economist Todd C. Buchholz explains Adam Smith and how economics works. Read this excerpt and complete the Study Guide.
Engels: Condition of the Working Class. Frederich Engels, Karl Marx's financial supporter and co-author, wrote a major journalistic account of the conditions of workers in industrial English citiesin 1845. Read the excerpt about conditions in Manchester and answer these questions, in your SJ: 1) How has rapid change affected Manchester? 2)How does he describe the living conditions Manchester? 3) How does he describe the physical environment of Manchester?
Charles Dickens: Murdering the Innocents. [Audio] Chapter two of Dicken's short novel, Hard Times, takes a look at public education and uses his examination of it as a mirror for the changes taking place in rapidly industrializing English society. Read the chapter and answer these questions. Be prepared to discuss them in class: 1) What is Dicken's saying about the changes that the modern industrial society is bringing to the way people live and perceive the world? 2) What does modern industrial society value? How is it different than past values? 3) To what extent do you think your education, and public education in general, mirrors or leads social trends? Is it an instrument for social change? 4) To what extent does Dicken's description mirror your own public school experience? More? The Illustrated Hard Times- a short video.
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels: The Communist Manifesto: During the revolutions1848, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published The Communist Manifesto, a statement of the beliefs of a type of socialism that was based on Marx's theory of historical materialism, a notion that he derived from his studies of the German philosopher Hegel (1770-1831). It was intended to be a pamphlet that would help cause a revolution and the implementation of a scoialist state, economy and society. Marx's ideas, of course, are hugely important, as they were the basis of 20th century communist systems, that came to dominated the lives of nearly half the world's population. Read it carefully and follow the instructions on the reading. For further study: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
John Stuart Mill: On Liberty: John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) was a leading thinker in the 19th Century. He was influential in the fields of moral philosophy and economics, and was an advocate for women's rights and equality, anti-slavery and anti-colonialism. H is a major figure in the philosophical movement Utilitarianism, and even served in Parliament. Read the excerpt and write short answers to the questions at the bottom of the page. Then read the first SEVEN pragraphs of Act and Rule Utilitarianism, and watch Utilitarianism Part 1. (If you are a smart person, go ahead and watch parts 2 and 3, on the eithical problems it raises. You'll need about 12 minutes to watch all three). Be prepared to write and talk about about Mill and Utilitarianism in class next time we meet!
Bismarck: Memoirs: Otto Von Bismarck's statesmanship is often defined as realpolitik, the idea that government policy should be based on practical and material factors rather than on theoretical or ethical objectives and moral considerations. Here is your question: In what ways do the decision's Bismarck recounts in his memoir reflect his philosophy of realpolitik? (Your response should not be less than half a page.) [Youtube version of Bismarck]
Versailles Treaty (1919) and Wilson's Fourteen Points.: Create a T-chart. On one side, list the items from the agreement that you think might support a lasting peace in Europe. On the other side, list the things that you think might be destabilizing. Write a one paragraph response to this question: Was the Versailles Treaty designed to create peace or to be punitive? Cite the document in your response.
Lenin: What Is To Be Done? and Lenin's Testement: 1922. Address the following questions in your SJ either as a short essay or in short answer form. What is Lenin proposing? How does this differ from Marx? How does he justify it? Describe Lenin's apprehensions about the potential leaders of the Communist Party after him. What are there strengths? What are their weaknesses? Who do you think Lenin saw as his best successor?
David Fromkin: How the Modern Middle East Map Was Drawn. Were the settlements in the Middle East an example of renewed European imperialism, or were they designed to create a modern set of states out of the former ottoman Empire? Cite the article in your response.
World War One: The Poetic Response
Mussolini: What is Fascism? (1932): Answer these questions in your SJ: 1)What is liberty in a fascist state? Why does the state have total power?, 2)How did Mussolini argue that fascism is democratic?, 3) Why do fascists reject liberalism and socialism?, What is the fascist view of war?
George Orwell: Notes on Nationalism (1945)
These three documents are instrumental to understanding the origins of the Cold War.
Churchill: Iron Curtain Speech (1946): Read Churchill's speech and answer these questions: 1)What threat did Churchill see? 2) Did he believe that a new war was inevitable? 3) What did he see as the lesson of history? 4) What did he suggest should be done to face the threat?
Stalin: Reply to Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech (1946): Stalin's response. Answer these questions: 1)How did Stalin portray Churchill and his intentions? 2)How did Stalin justify the soviet styled governments in Eastern Europe? 3)Why, according to Stalin, was communism's popularity on the rise?
Truman: The Truman Doctrine (1947): The Truman Doctrine is generally seen to be the statement that set American Foreign policy goals for the second half of the 20th century. Read it carefully and answer these questions: 1)What specific foreign policy situations was Truman addressing? 2)What did he view as the primary objective of post-war American foreign policy? 3)What did he suggest were the historical choices facing peoples in the post-war world? 4)What did he suggest the goal of U. S. foreign policy should be? 5)What did he believe the consequence of inaction would be?
Simone de Beauvoir: Introduction to The Second Sex: Simone de Beauvoir is considered to be the mother of modern feminism. Number the paragraphs and summarize the main point of each one. Be prepared for a Socratic Seminar on this reading.
Nikita Kruschev: Secret Speech (1956): After coming to power, Khrushchev undertook a "de-Stalinization" campaign in the USSR. It began with this secret speech to the 20th Party Congress in 1956. Read it and answer these questions: 1)Why did Khrushchev believe it was important to analyze and criticize Stalin's regime? 2)What were Stalin's "crimes"? 3)How did Khrushchev see Stalin as deviating from Lenin's path?
Alexander Solzhenitsyn: What I Learned in the Gulag (1973): Alexander Solzhenityn is one of Russia's great 20th century writers. After serving in the Soviet Army during WWII, where he was captured by the Germans, he was sent to the Soviet Prison camps, collectively known as the Gulag Archipelago. This is an excerpt from his 1958-68 book, The Gulag Archipelago, which was not published in the USSR, but in 1973 was widely published outside of the country, and widely read within the Soviet Union. He later went into exile in the United States.
The next four documents relate to the Hungarian uprising of 1956.
Cold War After Stalin 1953-56 (Video)
Hungarian Revolt: 1956 (Short Video)
Hungarian Students: 16 Points (1956)
Soviet Union: Statement of the Soviet Government, October 30, 1956
Trybuna Ludu: Clear Current and Scum, 1956
Following the Prague Spring uprising in Czechoslovakia in 1968, Brezhnev
introduce a new doctrine explaining the USSR's position toward the Eastern
European communist countries.
Brezhnev: Brezhnev Doctrine (1968)
Back to Professor Rempel.
Professor Gerhardt Rempel: Revolution in Europe 1989 (1995)
The Economic Policy that made the Peace of Westphalia Possible
"How Islam Created Europe"- Robert Kaplan
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