Each student will write a short report (4-6 pages) based on a book chosen from a short list of relevant selections.  This paper should summarize the main theme(s) in the book and comment on their importance to your understanding of this course's themes.  In writing this paper you should ask yourself:

1.  why did the author write this book
2.  what generalizations did the author hope you would remember after all the details had been forgotten
3.  how successful was the author in convincing you that these generalizations are worth remembering? Be sure to comment here on the reasons the author gave for making his/her generalizations and the ways s/he used historical evidence to support his/her reasons and generalizations.

A preliminary draft may be submitted on or before April 4, 2000. The final draft will be due on April 18, 2000.

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