HIS205: The Medieval Worlds

In the wake of the fall of the Roman Empire, three distinct and dazzling civilizations emerged. This course examines the creation of the European, Byzantine and Islamic worlds from the end of antiquity to roughly 1350, exploring the political, cultural, social and religious changes in each society. We examine the rise of the Christian Church in Europe and Byzantium, the birth and rapid success of Islam, and the impact on the values and behaviors of medieval people. Key figures, themes and events are studied, including Charlemagne, Muhammad, Justinian, mysticism, scholasticism, the Reconquista and the Crusades. We also discuss how early interactions and conflicts shaped the views each society held of the others.