Spring 2007
HIS 362K • Early Medieval World
| Unique | Days | Time | Location | Instructor |
| 39800 |
F |
-TBA--TBA |
|
Jansen |
Course Description
From the middle of the 3rd century AD, the Roman Empire underwent a remarkable transformation. This great empire - stretching at its height from Britain to North Africa and from the Atlantic to Iraq changed as it resolved the crises that challenged it. It is during this period of the empire's lingering demise and in the years that followed that we can trace the end of the classical world and the beginning of medieval civilization. In this course we will look at the evolution of Europe and the Mediterranean Basin during the period from Constantine to Charlemagne (ca. 305-814). We will examine the Roman Empires "decline and fall," analyze the impact of Christianity upon the Empire and its society, discuss the impact of invading Huns, Goths, and other barbarians on the disintegrating empire, and trace the transformation of the Empire into three new, distinct civilizations the Byzantine Empire, the Islamic caliphate, and the successor kingdoms of the West.
Grading Policy
Midterm I Exam -------------- 30% Midterm II Exam ------------- 30% Final Exam -------------------- 35% Class Participation ---------- 5%
Texts
Collins, Roger. Early Medieval Europe. Augustine of Hippo, Confessions, tr. R. S. Pine-Coffin. Gregory of Tours. History of the Franks. tr. Lewis Thorpe. Geary, Patrick. Before France and Germany. Other Reading: Selected primary sources for this course will be accessed via the Internet
