HIST 309
MEDIEVAL CIVILIZATION

1. Catalog Entry

History 309. Medieval Civilization (B)
Three hours lecture (3).

Prerequisite: 3 hours of History at the 100-level

A study of the cultural, social, and intellectual development of Europe from 300 to 1500 with emphasis on the dynamic character of Medieval Europe.

2. Detailed Description of Content of Course

I. Introduction
II. Barbarization of the Western Roman Empire

A. The Barbarian States
B. The Fusion of Romans and Germans
C. The Decline of Roman Institutions and Culture

III. The Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire

A. Government
B. Army, Navy, and Diplomatic Service
C. Religion
D. Social Life
E. Commerce and Industry
F. Culture

IV. Islamic Civilization

A. Arabia Before Islam
B. Mohammed
C. Muslim Expansion
D. Islam
E. Islamic Society and Economic Life
F. Culture

V. The Christian Church

A.Theory of Christianity
B. The Bible
C. Interpretation of the Scriptures
D. The Prayer of the Church
E. The Papal Monarchy
F. Organization of the Church
G. Spiritual Life

1. Sacramental system
2. The Church's discipline
3. Sources of papal revenue
4. "Evils" in the Church

H. Monasticism
I. Heresy, the Inquisition, and the Friars
J. Popes Versus Emperors
K. The "Babylonian Captivity" and the Great Schism

VI. The Carolingian Empire and Renaissance

A. Charlemagne
B. Carolingian Culture

VII. The Collapse of the Carolingian Empire and the Advent of Feudalism

A. Origins of Feudalism
B. Explanation of the Feudal System
C. The Church in the Feudal System
D. The End of Feudalism and the Movement Toward Centralized Government

VIII. The Manorial System
IX. The Commercial Revolution of the Middle Ages
X. The Crusades
XI. The Revival of Towns and Industry
XII. Medieval Society

A. Clergy
B. Nobility
C. Common People

XIII. Medieval Philosophy
XIV. Science and Technology
XV. Languages and Literature
XVI. Architecture
XVII. Education and the Rise of the University
XVIII. Late Medieval Politics

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course

The class meets three hours a week. The course is taught primarily using a lecture format with considerable time devoted to discussion of ideas from the lectures. All students are required to read several (usually four) textbooks. The class discussion of the books are an important element of the course.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the historical background of the Middle Ages.
2. Students will describe the geographical setting of Europe and the Islamic world during the medieval era.
3. Students will study other cultures and develop an awareness of the complexity of cultural change.
4. Students will discuss the relationship of the past to the present by showing the influences of medieval civilization on today's world.

5. Assessment Measures

Assessment of the student's success in the course is based on the grades for written book reviews, two major tests, and a comprehensive final exam.

6. Other Course Information

None.

7. Review and Approval

Date Action Reviewed by
January 2005 Reviewed and Approved by Charles McClellan