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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "HS 236"
COURSE NAME: "Europe Before Nations: From the First Crusade to 1453"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2021
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Fabrizio Conti
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 4:30 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS:
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course explores the major political events, changes, and cultural achievements of the High Middle Ages from the era of the Crusades through the mid-fifteenth century. Topics covered may include the effects of the arrival of the Seljuk Turks in Asia Minor, the Crusades (including their impact in Europe and the wider Mediterranean), the Spanish reconquista, the rise and culture of the Italian city states, the development of Slavic states in the Balkans, the arrival and impact of the Mongols, the “Black Death,” and the end of the Byzantine Empire.

Satisfies "Medieval History" core course requirement for History majors
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course focuses on the examination of societies, cultures and politics in medieval Europe between 1000 and 1500.  We will consider comparatively the three main civilizations of the medieval world: Byzantium, the Islamic World and the medieval West, although our main focus will be on Western Europe. Some of the topics we will explore include: the development of the high and the late medieval Papacy, the Crusades, the European appeal of St. Francis of Assisi, the monastic and religious reforms, kingship in Europe, the creation of a ‘persecuting society’ (Jews, lepers, witches and other minorities),  the ‘Black Death’ in the 14th century, the Italian city states and Humanism, the rise of the Ottoman Empire
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The aim of this course is not only to guide students through the discovery of the main events and persons in Medieval Europe from the 10th century to the 15th century. This course will also and especially give students a firm idea of the multifaceted ways in which cultures, societies and mentalities developed through the medieval era. Moreover, students will acquire basic skills in methodologies involved in historical research, writing, and communication, particularly when working with primary sources.

Course Procedure: Students are given reading assignments prior to the lectures on a given topic. This should enable them to participate actively in discussions during and after lectures. They are expected to keep up with the assigned readings.

Plagiarism

Students must provide appropriate footnotes and a bibliography of ALL sources (both primary and secondary) used in their written term paper in order to avoid plagiarism. Students may consult the internet (e.g. Wikipedia et al.) only for their own information. General information found on the internet is not acceptable as a source for academic papers. However, students are encouraged to research academic databases, such as J-Store or Academic Search Premium, or medieval primary sources published on the internet. Students should feel free to discuss the acceptability of specific internet resources with me should they have any questions on the matter. Cases of intentional or unintentional plagiarism will be dealt with in accordance with the university policy. Students may fail the paper or the entire course depending on the gravity of the situation.

If you have questions about how to cite material properly, refer to the appropriate sections of the MLA Style Manual or Chicago Manual of Style (or make an appointment to speak with me). There are copies of both in the reference section of the library downstairs.

Please note that your papers may be submitted to turnitin.com to check their content for plagiarism
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Reading the Middle Ages, Volume II: Sources from Europe, Byzantium and the Islamic World, c. 900 to c. 1500 Barbara Rosenwein (Ed.) University of Toronto Press 9781442606081  E-Book version available via the Frohring Library catalogue   
The Formation of a Persecuting Society R.I. Moore Blackwell Publishing 9781405129640  E-Book version available via the Frohring Library Catalogue   
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Attendance and Participation This means that you: a) are in class; b) have done the readings and thought about them; c) express your views and questions orally in class and are able to make connections with the topics that have been already covered. 10%
Mid-Term ExamThe exams will be in-class written exams composed of short answers and essay questions. Your grade on these exams will depend upon the analytical strength and persuasiveness of your arguments as well as the factual accuracy of your answers. More information about these exams will be provided as their dates near.30%
Final ExamThe exams will be in-class written exams composed of short answers and essay questions. Your grade on these exams will depend upon the analytical strength and persuasiveness of your arguments as well as the factual accuracy of your answers. More information about these exams will be provided as their dates near.30%
Research Paper You will be given a list of topics, among which you will pick the one you prefer and develop it in about 2500 words. You can also propose a different topic of your choice worthy of investigation. The relevant sources and the questions which serve as guidelines for the analysis will be posted to Moodle. The written assignment should be submitted to me electronically by 4pm of the due date.30%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

Course Schedule (NB: Changes may occur. Any updates will be made to the on-line syllabus)

  • All readings are available either on Moodle or as e-books via the Online Catalogue of the Frohring Library



January

Week 1

18 M  Course Intro: History and the Medieval Perceptions of Time

-         Augustine of Hippo, Confessions, Book XI, Chapters 10 ("11.10.12") through 14 ("11.14.17"): 

          https://faculty.georgetown.edu/jod/augustine/Pusey/book11 

 

 20 W  The Arabs, the Byzantines, and the Franks: The Medieval World From East to West (c. 900-c. 1050)

-          Reading the Middle Ages, ed. by Rosenwein, doc. 4.5 (‘The Peace of God’); 4.7 (Military Life: Constantine VII); 4.9 (Education: Al-Qabisi)

-          Barbara Rosenwein, A Short History of the Middle Ages, pp. 39-43 ("Ruralization" excluded), pp. 50-56 ("The Culture of the Umayyads" excluded),

           pp. 58-64 ("The British Isles" excluded); pp. 74-75.

 

Week 2

25 M  Scandinavian, Russian, and Central-European Kingdoms 

-          Reading the Middle Ages, ed. by Rosenwein, documents: 4.12 (Hungary: King Stephen, Laws); 
           4.15 (The Russian Chronicle); 4.19 (The Jelling Monument)

-          Rosenwein, A Short History of the Middle Ages, pp. 127-135

  

27 W  The World of the Vikings: History, Archaeology, and the Sagas      

-          Kim Hjardar and Vegard Vike, Vikings at War (Havertown, PA: Casemate Publishers, 2016), pp. 12-23

-          Rosalind Kerven, Viking Myths and Sagas: Retold from Ancient Norse Texts (Morphet: Talking Stone, 2015), selected pp. (see Moodle)

 

February

Week 3

1 M     European Regions and Medieval Universal Powers

-          Reading the Middle Ages, ed. by Rosenwein, documents: 5.4 (Henry IV, Letter to Gregory VII); 5.5 (Gregory VII, Letter to Hermann of Metz)

-          Jenö Szücs, "Three Historical Regions of Europe: The Birth of European Regions", in Civil Society and The State, ed. by John Keane, pp. 291-308

-          Rosenwein, A Short History of the Middle Ages, pp. 164-170

 

3 W    The First Crusade and the Crusading Movement

-          Reading the Middle Ages, ed. by Rosenwein, documents 5.9 (Martyrs in the Rhineland); 5.10    

           (Stephen of Blois, Letter to His Wife); 5.11 (Ibn al-Athir, The First Crusade); 5.15 (The Bayeaux Tapestry)

-          Rosenwein, A Short History of the Middle Ages, pp. 170-176

-          Pope Urban II's Speech at the Council of Clermont (see Moodle)

 

Week 4  

8 M    From the Second to the Fourth Crusade 

-          Bernard of Clairvaux, Apologia for the Second Crusade: https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/source/bernard-apol.asp

-         "Muslim Hostages Slain at Acre (1191)": https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/source/1191hostages.asp

-          Reading the Middle Ages, ed. by Rosenwein, docs.: 6.2 (The Fourth Crusade); 6.7 (Doing
           business: A Genoese Societas)

 

 10 W   Crusaders, Crusader States, and the Knights Templar

-          Bernard of Clairvaux, In Praise of the New Knighthood: https://history.hanover.edu/courses/excerpts/344bern2.html

-          Malcolm Barber, The Crusader States, pp. 50-64

-          The Battle of Hattin: https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/source/1187hattin.asp 

 

 12 F   Love and Sex in Medieval Poetry and Philosophy (Make-Up Day for Monday, April 5)

-          Reading the Middle Ages, ed. by Rosenwein, doc. 6.18 (A Troubadour Love Song: Bernart de Ventadorn, When I see the Larck)

-          Peter Lombard, The Sentences (on sex and marriage)

 

 Week 5

15 M   Cultural Patterns

-           A Medieval Storybook, ed. by Morris Bishop and Alison Mason Kingsbury (Cornell University Press, 2013), pp. 221-223; 239-243; 264-269; 277-289.

-           Rosenwein, A Short History of the Middle Ages, pp. 178-192

 

17 W   Political and Religious Patterns

-          Rosenwein, A Short History of the Middle Ages, pp. 202-212; 229-237

-          The Magna Carta Libertatum: https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/source/magnacarta.asp 

-          The Fourth Lateran Council: https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/basis/lateran4.asp (Canons: 1, 14-18, 21-22, 67-70) 

 

Week 6

22 M   Medieval Spiritualities

-          Reading the Middle Ages, ed. by Rosenwein, documents 6.24 (Peter Waldo); 6.26 (Francis of Assisi, The Canticle to Brother Sun)

-          Statutes of the Carthusian Order (Ch. 2; Book 1: ch. 4, 5; Book 4: ch. 34): https://www.chartreux.org/en/texts/statutes-prologue.php

 

24 W   Political Relations Between East and West 

-          Reading the Middle Ages, ed. by Rosenwein, documents 7.2 (A Mongol Reply to the Pope); 7.10 (The Hanseatic League: Decrees);

           7.17 (The commons participate: Summons to Parliament)

 

March

Week 7

1 M     The Heretic, the Leper, and the Inquisitor

-          Reading the Middle Ages, ed. by Rosenwein, docs: 7.13 (Inquisition: Jacques Fournier, Episcopal Register); 

           7.14 (Procedures for Isolating Lepers: the Sarum Manual); 7.19 (Boniface VIII, Unam Sanctam)

-          Rosenwein, A Short History of the Middle Ages, pp. 241-261

 

3 W   Take-Home Mid-Term Exam

-         Into Great Silence by Philip Gröning (2005): Documentary film screening and discussion

 

8-12 March: Spring Break 

 

Week 8

15 M  The Black Death Pandemic  

-          Reading the Middle Ages, ed. by Rosenwein, docs. 8.1 (A Medical View: Nicephorus Gregoras);

           8.3 (Prayers at York: Archbishop William); 8.4 (Blaming the Jews: Heinrich von Diessenhoven)

-          John Frith, "The History of Plague", Journal of Military and Veterans' Health, Vol. 20 No. 2 (2012)

-          Rosenwein, A Short History of the Middle Ages, pp. 283-300

 

17 W   The Black Death In Literature: Boccaccio and the Decameron

-           Tim Smith-Laing, "Boccaccio and the Black Death Have Been Doing the Rounds", Apollo (2020):

             https://www.apollo-magazine.com/boccaccio-and-the-black-death-have-been-doing-the-rounds/

 -           Boccaccio, Decameron, Introduction: https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/source/boccacio2.asp

 

 Week 9

22 M   Byzantium vs the Ottomans: Towards the Fall of Constantinople

-         Reading the Middle Ages, ed. by Rosenwein, docs.: 8.6 (A Turkish Hero); 8.7 (Diplomacy: Peace Agreement);

          8.8 (Before the Fall: Patriarch Anthony); 8.9 (The Fall Bewailed)

 

24 W  Joan of Arc, Wars, Social Unrest, and Reforms in Medieval Europe 

-          Reading the Middle Ages, ed. by Rosenwein, docs. 8.12 (Jeanne d’Arc, Letter to the English); 8.15 (The Conciliarist Movement: Jean
           Gerson); 8.17 (The Hussite Program)

 

Week 10

29 M  The Later Middle Ages

-         Rosenwein, A Short History of the Middle Ages, pp. 301-324

 

31 W  New Cultural Sensibilities 

-        Reading the Middle Ages, ed. by Rosenwein, doc. 8.18 (Re-evaluating antiquity: Cincius Romanus); 

          doc. 8.19 (A New Theory of Art); doc. 8.20 (Defending Women: Christine de Pizan); doc. 8.21 (A New Kind of Map)

-        Klaniczay, "The Bonfires of the Vanities and the Mendicants"

 

April

Week 11

5 M Holiday (make-up day Friday, February 12)

 

7 W    Medieval Society as a “Persecuting Society”?

-          R.I. Moore, The Formation of a Persecuting Society, Ch. 1

 

Week 12

12 M   Victims and Persecutors

-         R.I. Moore, The Formation of a Persecuting Society, Ch. 1 cont.

 

14 W   Paper Due

           Social Targets

-           R.I. Moore, The Formation of a Persecuting Society, Ch. 2

 

Week 13

19 M   Purity and Danger

-          R.I. Moore, The Formation of a Persecuting Society, Ch. 3

 

21 W  Power and Reason

-          R.I. Moore, The Formation of a Persecuting Society, Ch. 4

 

Week 14

26 M  Discussing Persecuting Societies

-         R.I. Moore, The Formation of a Persecuting Society, Ch. 5

 

 28 W Course Review and Final Exam Preparation

 

Final Exam