HIST206

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HIST206

The Birth of Europe, 300-1000 HIST206 FA

Crosslistings: MDST203

Next Offered in 9900 FA

This course is about the creation of western civilization from the fusing of the fragments of the classical world with Christianity and the culture of the dominant Germanic world. While bearing the political context in mind, our focus will be on the social and thought world of these first Europeans: their religious ideas, military ethos, assumptions about money and property, family structure and social groupings. Among the major themes will be the question of nationalities, the tenancity of custom, and the special power inherent in the combination of religion and economics in shaping the medieval world.

MAJOR READINGS

P. Brown, THE WORLD OF LATE ANTIQUITY
H. Fichtenau, LIVING IN THE TENTH CENTURY
Tacitus, GERMANIA
Gregory of Tours, HISTORY OF THE FRANKS
M. Bloch, FEUDAL SOCIETY
G. Duby, EARLY GROWTH OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMY
RULE OF ST. BENEDICT

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Mid-term; final exam; two research papers.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Class attendance and participation are expected.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS HIST

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-03-1998

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