The Medieval World (HIST*2200) | College of Arts

The Medieval World (HIST*2200)

Code and section: HIST*2200*01

Term: Winter 2021

Instructor: Jacqueline Murray

Details

Mode of Delivery:

This course will be offered through remote delivery. There will be 1-2 synchronous lectures scheduled per week on Zoom. There will also be asynchronous lectures and independent and collaborative learning opportunities, including group discussions. 

Course Synopsis:

This course introduces the history and culture of western Europe in the Middle Ages, from the decline of the Roman Empire through to the emergence of the early modern world, roughly 500-1500. It does not focus on the chronological sequence of events. Rather, the course takes a thematic and cultural approach, examining the values, beliefs, and institutions that comprised medieval society and how these shaped the lives of medieval people. While primarily focused Western Europe, the Byzantine, Jewish, and Islamic cultures will also be examined. 

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, student will be able to:

  1. discuss the outline of medieval history and its key characteristics;
  2. appreciate the broadly multicultural nature of medieval society;
  3. assess and critique the markers of historical transformation;
  4. critically read and analyze primary and secondary sources;
  5. use multiple sources to develop an historical argument;
  6. articulate and appreciate the rich complexity of the Middle Ages.

Method of Evaluation:

Research Quest
Choosing a topic - 5%
Primary sources - 10%
Secondary sources - 25%
Research outline & bibliography - 20%
Learning group discussions - 10%
Final Take Home Essay - 30%

Required Texts:

A Short History of the Middle Ages, Barbara H. Rosenwein, 5th ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2018.

Reading the Middle Ages. Sources from Europe, Byzantium, and the Islamic World. Edited by Barbara H. Rosenwein, 3rd ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2018.

Please note: This is a preliminary website description only. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final course outline will be available on Courselink before the first class of the semester.

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