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.