This upper-division, writing-intensive seminar examines the emergence of a recognizably European culture in the context of changing Mediterranean cultures. Through reading, discussion, and writing, students consider the variety of political, legal, religious, military, intellectual, and even amorous encounters facilitated by the Sea. From urban centers of the merchant elites, to the peasant agriculture of grape and olive, from translators and other such middlemen, to sailors and pirates, the human element informs students’ composition of three essays of graduated difficulty. Expect about 100pp of reading a week; weekly quizzes and/or reading worksheets.
Texts:
In addition to primary sources such as financial documents, maps, letters, crusading literature, local histories, and travel diaries, readings may include selections from the following:
Abulafia, Great Sea (2011)
Benison, Great Caliphs (2011)
Braudel, Mediterranean and responses, e.g. by Shaw, Molho
Dursteler, Renegade Women (2011)
Goitein, A Mediterranean Society (1999)
Green, Catholic Pirates (2010)
Harris, ed., Re-Thinking the Mediterranean (2005)
Horden and Purcell, The Corrupting Sea (2000)
McCormick, Origins of the European Economy (2001)
Pirenne, Mohammed and Charlemagne (1937) and responses, e.g. by Brown, Squatriti
Wickham, Framing the Early Middle Ages (2005)
Grading:
Three essays of graduated length and difficulty, each with peer-reviewed first drafts and office visits with the professor (10%, 20%, 30%); weekly quizzes and/or reading worksheets (30%); regular attendance and participation (10%).
