HIST 107

Medieval History

Brett Whalen

This course provides an introduction to the history of Europe and the Mediterranean world during the Middle Ages (ca. 300-1500), beginning with the transformations of the Roman world in late antiquity and concluding with the origins of the early modern era. As a survey course, the class will broadly explore events and developments for over a thousand years of political, social, and economic history. Special attention will be devoted to religious and cultural topics, including the Roman papacy, monastic life, the crusades, the problem of heresy, and trends in late medieval spirituality. In addition to covering the basic narrative and structures of medieval European history, this course will introduce students to the basic skills employed by historians (e.g. how to analysis primary sources; to identify and critique scholarly arguments; and to develop written arguments).