Time Schedule:
Mary R O'Neil
HIST 112
Seattle Campus
Political, economic, social, and intellectual history of the Middle Ages. Cannot be taken for credit toward a history major if HSTAM 331 or 332 or 333 previously taken.
Class description
This course is an introduction to the history of Western Europe from the late Roman Empire and rise of Christianity to the Scientific Revolution of the 17th century. We will emphasize political, social and religious developments of the Medieval and Renaissance eras with some attention to literature and art. Central goals will be understanding unique aspects of the Middle Ages (such as chivalry, feudal monarchy, heresy trials) and how this period laid the foundations for the central institutions of modern European states and society.
Student learning goals
Understand central issues of medieval and renaissance history.
Write papers based on primary sources from the medieval and renaissance eras.
Understand that the modern world began in the European Middle Ages.
General method of instruction
Lecture, with slides/images once a week. Sections for discussion of primary documents.
Recommended preparation
This is an introductory course. No previous knowledge of the subject is assumed, and the course is suitable both for students who might major in history and for non-history students interested in the broad sweep of European history and culture.
Class assignments and grading
Approximately 100-120 pages of reading per week. Required elements: regular attendance at lecture; participation in discussion sections; two short papers (one 3-5 pages; one 5-7 pages) drawing on primary documents assigned in class; midterm exam; final exam.
Participation in section 10% Midterm 15% First short essay 20% Second essay 30% Final 25%
