Examines major figures (like Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Venerable Bede) and significant movements (like feudalism, the development of representative democracy, mysticism, individualism, church history, freedom, monasticism, legends e.g., King Arthur) beginning with the formation of medieval Europe during the 4-8th centuries A.D., and continuing through the rise of kingdoms, universities, cathedrals and crusades.

The course will focus on features of the Middle Ages that have grown into fundamental elements of our own day, e.g., chivalry, Gothic art, separation of church and state, conception of individual freedom, constitutionalism and modern 'romance(s)'.

             To examine the historical record and surviving influences from the Middle Ages, and to become familiar with some of the figures and developments, the art and society, the politics, religions and philosophies of that era;

To read some of the writings of that time with a critical attitude, to think through some of the representative ideas and conflicts, and to measure the positive and negative aspects of that culture using both our own standards of judgment, and their own;

To research historical situations or issues, and then communicate that knowledge effectively;

To explore the disputes about the medieval period, e.g., "The Dark Ages" vs THE creative period of a distinctively "Western" civilization;

To gain a sense that we all participate in the historical family of humanity, and that learning about this family can teach us about ourselves.

     Bede. History of the English Church & People

Einhard. Two Lives of Charlemagne. Penguin.

Cook & Herzman, The Medieval World View. Oxford.

Beowulf.

Kelly, A. Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Four Kings.

Dante. The Divine Comedy: Paradise. 

               HIST 312 meets in Conv 116 on Mondays & Wednesdays, 12-1:50 PM

        It is crucial to be in class -- for discussions, for material & questions presented, for the diversions sure to arise, for the give-and-take that we all learn from.

 ~Transition from the Roman World to the Medi-Eval ~

Jan 7: Introduction to HIST 312; Internet Medieval Sourcebook -- Labyrinth
Prepare to discuss for next class: What relationships exist between this concept of 'history' and Abelard's Master Key to Wisdom?  The "Yeavering sparrow" as rep

Jan 9: Discuss the nature of history;  The Three Elements: Germanic, Roman, Christian Elements (bottom of this outline) Read for next class: Cuthbert's Letter & in Bede, 355-360 & 19-80) Begin reading Bede, tracking how Britain changed as Rome fell: Hadrian's Wall

Jan 14: Bede: Jarrow, his World, Britannia, Chronology (Discuss values & nature of culture in Cuthbert's Letter) Monastic Asceticism and a source of Bede, Gildas

Jan 16: Alban, Arthur, Augustine, Aethelbert: New Synthesis in Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms (44-80) Lindesfarne Gospels at the BL;

 ~The Early Middle Ages ~

Some Interesting Questions as we go forth; Discussion Question on Bede; A good time to begin Beowulf: take notes.
          Consider this H312 Center-Piece question on the origins and continued life of Freedom, not only from the Tolkien-Lewis Northern 'tug' & Painter feudalism/towns aspect, but also the Acton freedom approach. -- contradiction of the essence of the First Amendment? Morality of the state promoting Christianity?

Jan 22: Edwin and a Moment of Peace: Yeavering & a Model for Beowulf? (96-142)

Jan 23: Roman vs Celtic (Irish) Oswald/Oswy, Hilda, Theodore, Caedmon, Biscop: a new Camelot (through Bede Book 4); Intro to Beowulf

Jan 28: Back a bit: Redwald, Beowulf, Yeavering and Epic Poetry: Beowulf -- First Battles and Inquiries

 ~The Early Middle Ages, continued ~

Jan 30: The North vs The South; The Primitive-creative-active-progressive (cold) vs The Sophisticated-satisfied-lazy-content/conservative (warm) -- Does Beowulf have a significant message for us, here, today?

Feb 4: Finishing the Bede/Beowulf Age: Debating the Merit of the Northumbrian Renaissance: A 'Dark' View? Rise of Islam & Arab Empires; Intro to Charlemagne & Einhard

Feb 6: Charlemagne: Motivation(s), Goal(s), Assumption(s)? Einhard as well.... (Einhard’s Charlemagne) -- Battle of Tours/Poitiers, 732

Feb 11: Carolingian Culture: Capitulary of the Missi;

Feb 13: Carolingian Civilization; contrasting Northumbrian & Carolingian Societies (“Lord! Save us from the Northmen!”)

Feb 20: Mid-Term

 ~The High Middle Ages ~

Mar 3: Feudalism, Nobility & Towns: Major Players and Ideas: (Eleanor of Aquitaine) early-12th Century; Gregorian Reform; An Account of a Medieval Journey;

Mar 5: Gothic Architecture & Culture; Anselm, Abelard, Heloise & Bernard

Mar 10: Crusade, France, Courtly Love, & Eleanor

Mar 12: The Second Crusade & Eleanor’s Divorce/Re-marriange

Mar 17: Eleanor’s revolt & Henry II of England

Mar 19: Twelfth-Century Renaissance; Status of Women

Mar 24: The Third Crusade, Eleanor, Richard & John

Mar 26: The End of the 12^th Century, of Eleanor, Richard, John; Magna Carta; Chivalry

 ~The Later Middle Ages ~

Mar 30: Thirteenth Century: King Louis IX & Pope Boniface VIII; Dante Home; A Compass for Dante's Paradiso

Apr 7: Transition: Plague, Nation-States, & an Example in La Divina Commedia;

Discussion: Background to Dante's Paradise, Canto 1, 2 & 3 and an online "Research Edition"

 ~Beyond Time: A Classic ~

Apr 9: Entering Paradise; 4-6; Why Beatrice?

Apr 14: Getting Higher in Heaven, 7-15;

Apr 16: Toward the Ultimate Vision, 16-21;

Apr 21: Hierarchy in Heaven: How did Dante distinguish? 22-26;
        Final Discussion: Dante's Values: Summa or New (Renaissance) View? End Times Review

          Westminster College seeks to provide equal access to the college's programs, services, and activities to people with disabilities as defined by the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  If you have a disability for which you will need accommodations in this class, please let the instructor know as soon as possible.  You will also be required to provide documentation of your disability to the Services for Students with Disabilities program in the START Center (Carleson Hall, 832-2280).

          Please refer to the Academic Catalog or the Student Handbook for the College's statement on academic honesty.

    visits.