Full course description
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This course aims to introduce students to the major developments and traditions of the early medieval church. Building on the material introduced in the lectures on the first five centuries of the church, this course explores the social, political and doctrinal dimensions of life in the church between the sixth and tenth centuries. Most of the lectures focus on the West, but consideration is also given to influential developments in the Greek-speaking East and beyond.
Course Content
Unit 1: The 6th Century-Era of fragmentation and dissolution
Unit 2: The 7th Century- Pope Gregory the Great; Christianity and Islam
Unit 3: The 8th Century- The rise of western monasticism
Unit 4: The 9th Century- Papacy and pagans
Unit 5: The 10th Century- The western and eastern church
Course Format
- Six weeks in duration; first week for orientation.
- Up to 20 students in each course.
- Text based lectures.
- Supplemental readings are provided to encourage further exploration, internet links provided for all readings.
- Written assignments (200-250) required.
- Facilitator-moderated weekly Zoom sessions with participants.
Participation Requirements
- Read the lecture for each unit.
- Read assigned texts; keep notes, questions, and comments for class discussions.
- Answer weekly discussion question.
- Respond to weekly unit assignment.
- Attend weekly Zoom for each unit. If you cannot attend, you can still meet the participation requirements.
- Complete the course evaluation.
Time Expectations
3 to 5 hours per week, depending on your learning style and schedule.
Course Certificate
An electronic certificate of completion awarding 30 contact hours will be available in course when completing all course requirements.
Area: History