HIST 228

Medieval Expansion of Europe

Brett Whalen

This course examines the formation of Christian Europe and its relationship with the
wider world through the lens of European expansionism. Chronologically, the course
focuses on the eleventh century (i.e. the early stages of Europe's demographic, political
and economic take-off) through the sixteenth century (i.e. the beginning of Europe's
overseas colonial activities). Topics for discussion include the crusading movement,
missionary work, pilgrimage, and long-distance commercial travel. We will also consider
how the medieval expansion of Europe fits into some broader models of cross-cultural
encounter in the premodern world, paying specific attention to concepts such as
conversion and assimilation.