This course explores the development of European and Mediterranean civilizations during the thousand-year period known as the "Middle Ages." At the beginning of this period, the Romans ruled a massive empire that stretched from Britain to north Africa and from Spain to Iraq. A millennium later, this classical and pagan world had broken apart into three successor civilizations: medieval Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic world. This course investigates how this momentous transformation occurred. We will examine such topics as relations between Romans and "barbarians," the spread of Christianity and Islam, the development of kingdoms and empires, feudalism and the crusades, saints and religious reformers, art and architecture, cities and trade, the persecution of Jews and heretics, as well as the Italian Renaissance. Format: seminar with short lectures and audio-visual presentations. Evaluation will be based on several short papers, a midterm and final exam, and class participation. Expected enrollment: 10-30. Groups B and D

Hour: GOLDBERG