Course Objective

To provide students with knowledge about and insight in the most
important aspect of the history of particularly Europe in the period
knwon as 'The Middle Ages', when Europe and its culture as we know it
slowly started taking shape.

Course Content

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, large parts of Europe had to
reinvent themselves, confronted with changed economic circumstances that
changed society fundamentally. At the same time Christianity started to
play an ever more important role in this society as it spread across the
continent and assumed the role of the only seriously functioning
institution in this new society, with an ever greater grip on believers.
This was the era that also saw the emergence of the European urban
landscape in the high Middle Ages, the formation of states, and
typically European institutions as Estates and universities. The later
Middle Ages saw a dramatic population decline after which the
foundations were once again laid for further growth that lead to
innovation and the beginning of European Expansion. Al these themes are
highlighted during this course.

Teaching Methods

A weekly lecture and a weekly seminar.

Method of Assessment

Assignments (25%) and a written exam (75%).

Literature

Wim Blockmans & Peter Hoppenbrouwers, Introduction to Medieval Europe,
300-1500 (London 2014, second edition)

Target Audience

Obligatory for first year history students. Recommended for other
students with a serious interest in medieval history.