Entering the Middle Ages

This thematic introduction to the medieval world will emphasize the interdisciplinarity of Medieval Studies and the methodological approaches of its cognate disciplines. Content will be structured and presented as a series of interconnected thematic units, including “Faith Traditions,” “Lords and Land,” “Books and Learning,” “Village and Town,” “Artists and Craftspeople” and “Knights and Warfare.” Conceptions of the Middle Ages will also be explored, ranging from the pejorative opinions of Renaissance Humanists to the Romantics’ idealism and re-enactments in contemporary film, literature and gaming.

Conceptions of the Middle Ages will also be explored, ranging from the pejorative opinions of Renaissance Humanists to the Romantics’ idealism and re-enactments in contemporary film, literature and gaming. This course will emphasize scholarly approaches to both the Middle Ages and modern renderings of medieval material.

This course will emphasize scholarly approaches to both the Middle Ages and modern renderings of medieval material. Upon completion of MEDI 100, students will recognize the principal social, political and religious phenomena that defined the medieval world, including the impact of intercultural dialogue between Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities.

Upon completion of MEDI 100, students will recognize the principal social, political and religious phenomena that defined medieval Europe. Specific learning outcomes will include comprehension of the era’s temporal and geographic boundaries; awareness of the structure and governance of medieval society, including feudal economies and the relationship(s) between land-owning classes and indentured peasants; understanding contexts for interaction with the Church (e.g., as an arbiter of salvation, as an educator, as a landlord); and appreciation of medieval cultural achievements, including their deliberate recreation in later periods. Methods of instruction will include lecture, class-discussion and collaborative investigation.

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