Europe in the Middle Ages

This course will examine the history of Europe and the near east from the Fall of Rome through to the beginnings of the Italian Renaissance. Topics covered will include the Germanic kingdoms, Western Christianity, the Carolingian Dynasty, the Vikings, conflicts between the Papacy and State, Feudalism, Manorialism, the expansion of Islam, the Crusades, the Church and culture of the High Middle Ages, the Black Death and other crises of the 13th century.

Prerequisite: None
½ credit

Units

The “Dark” Ages
1. Analyze the political situation in Europe after the fall of Rome.
2. Summarize the role of the Catholic Church in the redevelopment of Europe.
3. Cite the achievements of the Frankish Merovingian and Carolingian Dynasties.
4. Analyze the influence of outside invasions into Europe and their effect on the development of feudalism (particularly in Northern Europe).
5. Compare and contrast the developing kingdoms of Europe.
6. Summarize the Crusades and the corresponding influences of Byzantium and the Middle East on European politics, culture and trade.
The Middle Ages
1. Summarize how new techniques in agriculture affected Europe's population and economy.
2. Analyze the effects on government and the economy by the revival of trade.
3. Summarize the development of the University in Medieval Europe.
4. Summarize the philosophy of scholasticism.
5. Analyze the various conflicts that took place between the Church and the State.
6. Analyze the effects of the Black Death on population and culture.
7. Summarize the Hundred Years War.
Renaissance
1. Compare and contrast the primary influences of the Italian and Northern renaissances and analyze the effects as seen in art and literature.
2. Summarize the development of techniques used by artists during the Renaissance.
3. Identify major works of art of the Renaissance period.
Reformation
1. Summarize the major concerns of Church reformers before and during the Protestant Reformation.
2. Analyze why Luther’s reformation movement succeeded where prior attempts had failed.
3. Summarize Luther’s main teachings which most reformers were in agreement with.
4. Identify the major Protestant leaders/movements and their unique beliefs.
5. Summarize the primary responses of the Counter Reformation.