syllabus-like assignment

If you were teaching a class on the early medieval period, what readings would you assign? Using the readings I have assigned (and only these; no outside research), you will select 10 primary sources and 3 secondary sources. The best answers usually focus on 1 major theme (e.g., the continuation of the idea of Romanitas, or the growth of Christianity, or travel and trade). Since you are limited to so few sources, it’s best to choose sources that can do double- or triple-duty to demonstrate different aspects of your chosen theme (and maybe 1 subtheme, if you like).
Once you have chosen your sources, begin your paper with an introduction to your course. Choose the time frame you want to examine. You may choose a smaller time frame than this course covers, but a wider one will not be possible given the readings you have to choose from. Defend your choice of theme and time frame. Show me that you have considered all the possible themes and explain why you have chosen your theme over the other possibilities. Your introduction should be about page long, double spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman font.
Next, arrange your 13 sources in some sort of logical order (chronological or thematic). Number them so that I know when you have reached the limit. From this point on, you will annotate the sources. List the author, title, date, and page numbers for each source (i.e., fully identify the source). Then, explain in detail what theme(s) each source demonstrates. You should refer specifically to the content of the readings. You may even wish to quote the sources. Above all, you need to make the connections between the sources and your themes clear and obvious. Pretend your audience is someone who has not read the sources and isn’t an expert on the Middle Ages.