HIST 235 Medieval World
This course will offer a survey of Western Europe in the Middle Ages (500-1500), starting with the successor kingdoms to the Roman Empire and ending with the beginnings of the nation state. Students will learn about the political changes of the period, the economic growth which transformed Europe, and the central role played by the Catholic Church and its dissenters. The course will aim to offer a basic understanding of the events of this 1000 year long period, while contextualizing these events in the social, cultural, and religious shifts which shaped them. We will consider such issues as the struggle between church and `state¿ in the Investiture conflict, religious roles of medieval women, the growth of towns, and Renaissances. Readings will emphasize primary sources in translation. No previous knowledge of the Middle Ages is assumed. Lecture on Mondays and Wednesdays with discussion session on Friday.