EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

This class will consider the history of the Later Roman Empire, from roughly the crisis of the Third Century until the fall of the City to the Ottoman Turks in May of 1453, an event which signals the end of the Middle Ages. Byzantine history is the history of the second half of the Roman Empire, extending throughout the Middle Ages. We will be looking at the political, cultural, social and religious evolution of the Roman state through that period of one thousand one hundred years.

Undergraduates: You will have the choice of doing (1) two short research papers of 6-8 pages, (2) one long research paper of 12-14 pages, or (3) an annotated bibliography. You may choose the system of citation which is familiar to you, unless you are a History major, in which case, you must use Turabian. If you are doing option number one, then your first paper will be due the last week in February and the second will be due the Monday of the last week of classes. If you are doing options two or three, your project will be due the Monday of the last week of classes. One letter grade will be subtracted for each day your assignment is late.

Graduates: You will have the choice of (1) a research paper, a minimum of fifteen pages in length, or (2) an annotated bibliography. Graduate students in History must use Turabian as a guide to citations. Your paper will be done in two drafts, with the same dates as above.

All students: Your paper will count for 80% of your grade. The remaining 20% of your grade will be based upon your interest, participation, and ability to demonstrate in class discussion that you are familiar with the material being studied. Obviously, it is important that you participate in this class as an equal member.

Attendance: Attendance is not required. You are here of your own free will. But since 20% of your grade is based upon interest and participation, it would probably behoove you to put in an appearance occasionally.... An informal roll will be taken.

Office Hours: 107 Rogers-Stout, T: 2:30 to 3:30, W: 2:45-3:45 Phone: 439-6691

E-mail: Burgessw@etsu.edu

Departmental Web Pages: http://www.etsu.edu/cas/history/hist.htm

If anyone in the class has need for test-taking or note-taking accommodation, please feel free to discuss this with me.

Required Books:

Vasiliev, A. A. A History of the Byzantine Empire

Reading assignments:

-I would like to proceed with approximately one Section of Vasiliev every two weeks or so, but that may require adjustment. You are all adults and should be able to follow along in the reading. I will also be telling you at the end of each lecture, what we will be doing next.

-We will,...if the gods are good, spend about two weeks on each section...or at least, that's the plan. So begin reading the first section of Vasiliev and we will go from there.....