Introduction to the History of the Middle Ages

Course goals

1. Demonstrate substantive knowledge of and insight into the most important developments, themes, structures, changes, and connections during the Middle Ages;
2. Demonstrate familiarity with several relevant historiographical debates about the period;
3. Demonstrate familiarity with several relevant theories and concepts about the period;
4. Explain the knowledge and insights gained about the period through writing assignments.

Content

This course aims to provide an overview of Western history—and partly the history of the Middle East—from Late Antiquity to the fifteenth century. The most important events and developments in the political, economic, social, and religious-cultural spheres will be reviewed. These include the changes of and within the Roman Empire and the transition to the various empires and territories that replaced it in the West. The Franks, Arabs, Byzantines, Vikings, Irish, Magyars, popes, and serfs will be discussed, as will the debate about the Middle Ages as the ‘Dark Ages’.

The arrival of Christianity was also a very significant development that shaped the history of Europe. Later centuries saw the emergence of universities, the tremendous expansion and flourishing of the economy with large-scale land reclamation, the formation of the cultural landscape, trade expeditions, voyages of discovery, demographic growth, and the urbanization of parts of Europe. In addition, there were political developments, ranging from the emergence of assemblies of states and the slow decline in the authority of kings and rulers to uprisings and wars. In the religious and cultural spheres, important events included the great councils, the Gregorian Reform, the Investiture Controversy, and the so-called Renaissance of the twelfth century.

Additional information

Early Exit option for international exchange students (5 ECTS)
Exchange students who are required to return to their home university before January, are allowed to choose an Early Exit option for this course. The Early Exit option means that students can finish the course before Christmas break, receiving 5 ECTS for the course. Students must make arrangements with the course coordinator at the start of the course.