University Bulletin
Undergraduate Degree Programs
MEDVL 108
(GH;IL)
Medieval Civilization (3) An interdisciplinary introduction to literature, art, and thought of the Middle Ages.
MEDVL 108 Medieval Civilization (3)
(GH;IL)
(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.
The Middle Ages, the period from roughly A.D. 400 to 1500, was an important era in the development of many of the institutions, ideas and technologies so familiar today. Our ideas of love, honor, town planning, literature and science have their origins in the medieval period. MEDVL 108 studies the culture and community of this time through lectures complemented by discussions based on the reading of stories from the Middle Ages and viewing of medieval works in art.
The course will begin with a brief look at the chronological progression of events in the Middle Ages, particularly the connection of political events with cultural ideals and scientific progress. Then, various broad topics will be studied. One topic will investigate the types of people found in the three orders of society: the labatores (workers), bellatores (warriors) and oratores (clergy). Other topics include the growth of art and literature (such as the legends of King Arthur), the development of Gothic cathedrals, the creation of fashion, life in a castle, magic, and the idea of faith.
Medieval Studies 108 integrates all five active learning elements:
1) The essay exams and discussion groups allow the student actively to address specific problems from the material.
2) The optional research paper enables the student to gather information from traditional (library archives) and non-traditional (electronic) sources, then to present a conclusion in a comprehensive and coherent argument.
3) The class discussion promotes collaborate and cooperative learning, as the students expand on, and/or argue against, positions taken on the material by their instructor and fellow students.
4) Internationalism and interculturalism is the essence of this course.
5) The optional research paper, essays and discussion allow for scholarly development through the investigation of communities in an important era of history.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.