Medieval Civilization

Catalog description

MEDVL 108 offers an interdisciplinary introduction to the culture and society of medieval Europe from c. 400-1500 CE. The course examines the literature, history, art, and thought of medieval society, focusing on a geographical area that includes Europe, the Mediterranean, the Levant, and North America. Many modern concepts--such as those involving love, honor, town planning, literature, warfare, religion, and science--have their have their origins in medieval Europe. This course begins with a brief look at the chronological progression of events in the Middle Ages, particularly the connection of political events with cultural ideals and scientific progress, and then proceeds to broader elements of medieval society; these themes are focused on everyday life, art and literature, religious thought, and the organization of society.