Course content

The course will offer selected in-depth study topics from European High and Late Medieval History, roughly covering the period 1000-1500 CE. The Early European Middle Ages is covered by the course HIST2001. The Middle Ages are a central and many-sided period in European History, roughly covering the millennium between 500 and 1500 CE. It is a long tradition considering the period as fundamental for the creation of modern Europe. The Norwegian historian Johan Schreiner (1903-67) characterized the period as "a 1000 years period of growth". Modern research has made the picture more complex, but not les many-sided and interesting. Topics will cover different periods, countries and social fields, but will be discussed from different angles.

Central headwords for possible topics offered are: - Three civilizations: cultural contacts, extension, expansion, crusades, the Roman heritage - Political-institutional history: political organization on central and local level, war - Political culture and communication including music and use of symbols, mentalities, identities and loyalties - Church and religion: growth, division, reform, liturgy and music, the cult of saints - Economy and demography: growth, crisis, recovery, demographic trends, the agrarian society, trade and urbanization, The course will also introduce theoretical and methodical questions connected to the topics given.

The topics on offer within this course will vary from term to term depending on available staff at the Department. The topics on offer will usually be designed according to the individual lecturer`s research interests. Information on topics for the academic year is found under studies on the webpage for the department with academic responsibility. Information on topics for the academic year is found under studies on the webpage for the department with academic responsibility.

Learning outcome

A candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome according to the course curriculum, defined as knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

The candidate

• is familiar with the important stages of development for the actual topics
• know different historiographic and methodical trends in the field

Skills

The candidate

• is able to apply his knowledge of this period to present and analyze questions connected to the topics given in the course
• is able to discuss the position of medieval studies' in historical research
• is able to carry through a source analysis that complies with the requirements of academic writing

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and/or seminars and one mandatory paper.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory paper

Further on evaluation

Six hours home exam

Recommended previous knowledge

HIST1300/1350 or equivalent

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

The curriculum for each individual topic is published at the start of the semester, as well as other materials and information published on Blackboard.

Credit reductions