HISTORY 499 Fall 2000 Professor Webb
Preliminary Course Description
The Scopes Trial and its Legacy will examine the origins and impact of the Scopes Trial, with special emphasis on developments in the 20th century. Scientific, legal, political, and religious aspects will be considered from various perspectives, providing students with a more complete understanding of this important phenomenon in American history. Although the focus of the course will be the research paper, lectures and other activities will be scheduled throughout the semester.
REQUIRED TEXT:
Edward J. Larson, Summer for the Gods
SUPPLEMENTAL TEXTS (on reserve, TTU Library):
N.B. This list is tentative and may be enlarged or otherwise changed before the fall semester.
Each student will prepare a research paper of 20-25 pages, based on appropriate primary and secondary sources. Papers will be written according to professional standards and will be appropriately annotated.
In addition to the completed paper, due at the end of the semester, each student will be required to submit a proposal/preliminary bibliography no later than mid-September AND an extensive outline/abstract/final bibliography no later than mid-October. A brief oral presentation of the research project may also be required. These requirements will determine an appropriate proportion of the grade for the paper.
Students will be given the opportunity to choose topics of interest to them, contingent upon the availability of sources. Among the topics that might be of interest are the following:
Book Review (30% of course grade)
Each student will read an additional book, chosen from a list to be distributed at the beginning of the semester. This book will be the basis for a written review of no more than 5 pages AND an oral presentation of approximately 10-15 minutes. The oral presentations will be scheduled during the semester to supplement lecture and other material.
Last updated on March 27, 2000