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Kies de Nederlandse taal
Course module: GE1V16004
GE1V16004
Introduction to the History of the Middle Ages
Course info
Course codeGE1V16004
EC7.5
Course goals
Offering an overview of medieval history in Europe; identifying the main themes in a large volume of information; comparing the textbook with texts in the course reader; analysing this information and formulating relevant questions.
Content
Please note: This course is exclusively intended for students of the History track in English and for exchange students. You will be assigned to a seminar group by the degree programme.
 
This course aims to provide an overview of western history – and some aspects of Middle Eastern history – from late antiquity to the fifteenth century. This will include an exploration of key political, economic, social and religious events and developments. Examples include the evolution of the Roman Empire and its transition into the various empires and areas that eventually came to replace it in the West. Attention is also paid to the existing debate about the medieval period as a so-called ‘dark age’. The birth of Christianity was another crucial development that shaped European history. Key events in later centuries include the establishment of universities, vast economic expansion, formation of the cultural landscape, trade expeditions, voyages of discovery, demographic growth and the urbanisation of large parts of Europe. Other important issues include constitutional developments ranging from the emergence of State Assemblies and gradual expansion of the powers held by kings and other rulers, to revolts and wars. Crucial religious and cultural developments include the major Councils, the Gregorian reforms, the Investiture Conflict and the Renaissance of the Twelfth Century. This overview should serve as a basis for the discussion of various themes. The course includes a visit to the special collection of the university library at the Uithof, where several manuscripts will be shown.
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Kies de Nederlandse taal