This course investigates Europe and its relations with the wider world in the high and later Middle Ages. This period witnessed both the geographic expansion and cultural flowering of medieval civilization as well numerous political, social, and spiritual crises. We will explore such topics as the crusades, the rise of centralized monarchies, the conflict between church and state, the growth of cities and revival of trade, religious reformers and heretics, the foundation of universities and the rediscovery of Aristotle, the persecution of Jews and other minorities, the Black Death, peasant rebellions, and the Italian Renaissance. Groups B and D

Hour: GOLDBERG