For classes pursuing the study of history by the topical method a syllabus is a good thing to bind the work together, to give it connection and definite form. The syllabus is something more than a mere list of subjects; it aims to show relations, to bridge the space between one large topic and another. Too many topics should not be suggested by the syllabus; the fewer and larger the topics the freer the student is to arrange his information about each topic; while too minute analysis makes the work tedious and keeps a student from exercising originality in the arrangement of his material.
In my work in school and college I have found the syllabus useful not only with classes using texts, but with more advanced classes having no prescribed texts. I prefer to make the outlines myself, but find that the published syllabi give valuable hints. In assigning class work, a certain number of topics are given to the class as a lesson. Each individual is required to work out a single topic for extra work. The students read the text and the recommended reference books on each topic, gather the information in note-books, and then are ready for recitation, discussion, or report in class. At least once a month I give to my classes a list of “problems” or “studies” similar to those found in Leadbetter’s “Outlines” and Botsford’s “Greece” and “Rome.” The working out of these aids causes the student to assimilate the information that he has gained and to see the subject in its different aspects; and also tends to prevent indifferent work with the syllabus.
A Tentative List of History Syllabi
The following list of titles makes no pretense of being exhaustive. It was put together from the notes of several of the editors of the Magazine in order to furnish a timely supplement to the article by Prof. Fleming.
It is hoped to publish in the near future a more extended bibliography of those syllabi now in print and on sale for general use. Additions or corrections may be sent to the managing editor, or to Howard M. Stuckert, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Primarily for College Classes.
Alvord, C. W., and Paetow, L. J.—“Syllabus of Mediæval European History” (from the fourth to the sixteenth century). Champaign, Ill., D. H. Lloyd.
Ames, H. V.—“A Syllabus of American Political and Institutional History During the Colonial and Revolutionary Periods.” Philadelphia, Department of History, University of Pennsylvania, $1.
Burr, G. L.—“Outlines of Studies in the History of the Middle Ages, with Suggestions as to the Sources of Knowledge.” Ithaca, N. Y., Department of History, Cornell University.