The Medieval World

Catalog description

This introduction to life in the Middle Ages (400-1500) in the West and to the field of Medieval Studies examines the experience and achievements of medieval people from multiple perspectives. Drawing on many different disciplines, including history, literature, art, philosophy, theology, and archaeology, this course offers a general overview of medieval culture, as embodied in its values and customs, its ideas and institutions. Class activities include discussions of medieval texts and artifacts, guest lectures from medievalists on their areas of expertise, field trips to sites of medieval interest, and introductory surveys of relevant topics, from manuscripts to heraldry, cathedrals to crusades. These activities also illustrate the techniques of the professional medievalist.