Guide for Panel Brief on the Black Death

 

Each student will prepare one Panel Brief according to the sign-up schedule.  Each will have an assigned person and a writing from that person.  The task of each student is to prepare for their testimony for the hearing, which is a presentation of evidence and arguments in advance of resolution. 

 

 

The Resolution: Yes or No: The Black Death was sent by God as a punishment for our sins. Discuss this argument from the perspective of your assigned person.

 

Assignments:

 

The panel presentations should be about 4 pages. About 3 pages should be an exposition of your person's experience and ideas, and how this person understands the causes and meaning of the Black Death.  Be sure to begin your discussion with an introduction of yourself.  At the end of your paper, devise two questions to ask one of the other panelists (based on their reading) that you think highlights a difference between you and them. You should also prepare answers to at least two questions you expect to receive from other panelists or from the audience.

 

Readings

 

1. Gui de Chauliac--Doc. 14 (p. 63)

2. Gabrielle De Mussis --Doc. 23 (p. 98)

3. Konrad of Megenberg --Document 39 (p. 155)

4. Abu Al-Wardi --Doc. 29 (p. 112)

 

Questions

 

The instructor and the remainder of the students will have time to question the presenters. This is when the presenters' prepared answers will be of help.  This discussion will be real-time and not rehearsed, so there are no set questions and no set script.  All participants should be prepared to think on their feet to some extent.  After question time, each will have a time to present a brief final statement

 

Grading

 

Participants will not be graded for their performance in class, but only for the typed brief, which will be assigned points according to the understanding of the readings and arguments the student reveals, as well as the quality of expression and writing.