Topic
Fall 2014
Gregory Clark argues that Europe, up to roughly 1800, through the
early modern as well as medieval eras, was subject to Malthusian
constraints. Others disagree with the applicability of the Malthusian
model for all or part of that period. Grantham, for example, maintains
that the key constraint on prosperity during European feudalism was
not Malthusian, but the prevalence of market incentives.
Contrast the views and evidence supplied by Grantham, as opposed
to Clark. Which is more persuasive? Is the evidence sufficient to
make either point of view persuasive?
George Grantham, “The Manse, The Manor and the Market: New
Perspectives on the Medieval Agricultural Revolution”
Rubric for Essays
Out of 100
20 points-Having a Thesis. Do you tell the reader in the first few lines of the paper whether
Grantham is better than Clark, Clark better than Grantham or do neither make a good case?
30 points-Do you clearly understand the two authors views?
-Are you attributing views to Grantham or Clark that they do not actually hold?
-Do you understand where the differences lie in their two theories about why people
were relatively poor before the industrial revolution?
-Have you succinctly described their views in your paper?
30 points-Do you critically assess the authors’ evidence and use the evidence from both authors
to support your thesis?
-Do you make it clear why certain evidence given by one author discredits (in your
opinion) the evidence given by the other author?
-Or, if you think neither makes a great case do you explain WHY certain evidence does
not show what the authors say it shows?
10 points-Conclusion
10 points-Proper citation/referencing. See ecommons. Note though, that the example there
is when the author is talking about a vague topic. Do not say something like “Grantham says
___ “(Grantham 1992, page 1-21). Write down the specific page so we can verify what you are
saying. “Grantham says ___” (Grantham 1992, Pg 1)