Reflect critically on the adequacy of historians' explanations, both your own and those of others. This course is a seminar. Afterwards, we will discuss the readings and the issues. The seminar format places much of the burden of learning on you and your fellow students. Not preparing for discussions will harm them as well as you.
Discussion serves several purposes.
First, it helps clarify difficult or obscure points in the readings. Second, it helps you decide between conflicting positions or to reach a synthesis. Third, it allows me to observe how you approach readings and problems. For the reasons mentioned above, attendance and participation are crucial for this course. This policy reflects the importance I attach to discussion.