Students should become aware of the most important events that shaped the history of the Middle Ages in Europe and Byzantium. Besides, they will become familiar and gain first-hand experience in working with primary sources that provide us first-hand information on these events. Readings from sources should enable students to gain skills in understanding the Middle Ages as presented by those who lived in the period. Written assignments should help in analyzing these texts in a logical and coherent manner, whereas the oral presentation is aimed at developing students’ skills in presenting their ideas in an engaging and convincing manner to a prepared audience.

This course will outline the main events, intellectual developments and artistic achievements that shaped the history and culture of Europe and Byzantium from 4th to 11th centuries. The conventional starting point will be the acceptance of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great and we will end with the 11th century Church Reform movement and the preaching of the First Crusade. The main topics to be covered include: the Migration Period and the political restructuring of Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire, the foundation of Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire, the Carolingian and Ottonian Renaissances in Western Europe, the foundation of the Holy Roman Empire, the Iconoclastic Movement in Byzantium, the Rise of Monasticism: Monasticism in the West and in Byzantium; Christian missions among the Nordic peoples and the Slavs; Feudalism in its diverse forms; the Rise of Islam and the Arabic Khalifate, its relations with Europe and Byzantium; Medieval Heresies; Movements for the Reforms of the Church, the Gregorian Reform; Tensions between Catholic and Orthodox Churches; the rise of the Seljuq Turks and their conquests in Asia Minor; the Preaching of the First Crusade.

Students are given reading assignments prior to the lectures. They are encouraged to actively participate in class-room discussions during and after the lectures. (10% of the total grade is for class-participation and attendance).
In order to acquire skills in working with primary sources, two essays will be dedicated to source-analysis provided by the professor. Hand-outs will be given on the specific requirements for these essays.
Students shall also chose a topic for their research paper and oral presentation. The topic must be agreed upon with the professor during the 3rd week of courses. The paper should be 8-10 pages long (double-spaced).

The mid-term exam and the final exam are aimed at assessing the students' level and depth of knowledge of the subjects covered during the course. These include 'facts and dates' questions with short, analytical essays.

Students should become aware of the most important events that shaped the history of the Middle Ages in Europe and Byzantium. Besides, they will become familiar and gain first-hand experience in working with primary sources that provide us first-hand information on these events. Readings from sources should enable students to gain skills in understanding the Middle Ages as presented by those who lived in the period. Quizzes are designed to help students memorize the most important facts, dates and historical figures discussed about in class or reading assignments. The research paper/essay is intended to give students the opportunity to read and analyze primary sources and write about them in a logical and coherent manner, whereas the oral presentation is aimed at developing students’ skills in presenting their ideas in an engaging and convincing manner to a prepared audience.

In-class participation and attendance 10%

2 Essays on Source Analysis 25% (12.5% each)

Mid-term exam 20%

Research paper/essay 20%

Oral presentation 5%

Final exam 20%

Students are allowed two excused absences. More than five absences will provide sufficient ground for an 'F' grade.