HIST 242: Early Modern Europe
Spring 2003
Discussion Facilitation
You are in charge of one period of class discussion – that is, an analytical dialogue about one of the books we are engaging in this course. To ensure a successful and lively discussion, you should, at the very least, do the following:
1. Read your assigned book particularly closely. Consider the book’s arguments and methodology, and its factual information.
2. Then, answer the following question: In your opinion, how does the book “measure up”? Start with your gut reaction; in other words, it is perfectly reasonable to love or hate the book. However, be sure to be able to not only verbalize, but also rationalize your reaction. Then move beyond that to the book’s strengths and weaknesses as a historical source; after thinking as a person, you need think as a scholar – critically analyze the book!
3. Search for and consider scholars’ reception of the book. That is, find book reviews and analytical essays about it. What do other scholars consider the book’s strengths and weaknesses? How do they “rank” both the book and its author? Do not begin with this step – even if it is the easiest route. Part of the exercise here is for you to learn how to think as a historian, and this includes critically analyzing other historians’ writings.
4. Formulate a series of questions to discuss. Most often, discussion starts off slowly, and we will need you to pose leading questions.
5. Remember, you are not expected to know everything about your chosen book and/or topic. Therefore, do not be afraid to pose questions for which you do not have the answer. Sometimes this is from where the best discussions come!