Introduction to Ancient and Medieval Studies

Explores the fascinating history, culture, and society of the ancient and medieval worlds and the different methodologies scholars use to interpret them.  Wrestles with big questions about the diversity of life and thought in pre-modern societies, the best ways to study the distant past, and the nature (and limitations) of knowledge about long-ago eras.  Considers a wide rande of scholarly subjects such as the rise and fall of the Roman empire, the triumph of Christianity and Islam, barbarian invasions and holy wars, courts and castles, philosophy and religion, and the diversity of art, literature, and politics.  Ponders different types of evidence, reads across a variety of disciplines, and develops skills to identify continuities and changes in ancient and medieval socieites.

Related Subjects

Offered Fall 2023

Catalog Subject Faculty Level HASS Category
21H.130

The Ancient World: Greece

Lecture: MW 12-1, 3-133
Recitation 1: F 1-2, 66-154
Recitation 2: F 2-3, 66-154
Eric Driscoll
Introductory HASS-H CI-H
21H.237

The City of Athens in the Age of Pericles

TR 2:30-4, 66-160
William Broadhead Intermediate HASS-H

Not Offered This Term

Catalog Subject Faculty Level HASS Category
21H.132

The Ancient World: Rome

William Broadhead Introductory HASS-H CI-H
21H.133

The Medieval World

Not offered regularly; consult department
Eric J. Goldberg Introductory HASS-H
21H.134 14.70

Medieval Economic History in Comparative Perspective

Anne E. C. McCants Introductory HASS-S CI-H
21H.230

Barbarians, Saints, and Emperors

Eric J. Goldberg Intermediate HASS-H
21H.238

The Vikings

Eric J. Goldberg Intermediate HASS-H
21H.239

The City of Rome in the Age of the Caesars

William Broadhead Intermediate HASS-H
21H.240

The World of Charlemagne

Eric J. Goldberg Intermediate HASS-H CI-H
21H.330

Ancient Empires: Persians and Greeks in Antiquity

Not Offered Regularly; Consult Department
Staff Seminar HASS-H
21H.331

Julius Caesar in the Fall of the Roman Republic

William Broadhead Seminar HASS-H
21H.333

Early Christianity

Not offered regularly; consult department
Eric J. Goldberg Seminar HASS-H
21H.336

The Making of a Roman Emperor

William Broadhead Seminar HASS-H