Medieval and Early Modern Studies Courses:
Lower Division Courses
20A. Introduction to Late Antiquity and Early Medieval Worlds (4)
Lecture—3 hours; discussion—1 hour; extensive writing. Introduction to late antique and early medieval worlds. Topics may include the study of the social and political structure, prominent philosophies, and literature of societies from the Middle East, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Africa, and the Americas. GE credit: ArtHum, Wrt.│AH, WC, WE.--I. (I.)
20B. Intro to Late Medieval and Early Modern Worlds (4)
Lecture—3 hours; discussion—1 hour. Extensive Writing. Introduction to the late medieval and early modern worlds. Topics may include global perspectives that explore human experience in dynamic interconnections with cultures in Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Europe, and the Middle East. GE credit: ArtHum, Wrt│AH, WC, WE.--II. (II.)
98. Directed Group Study (1-5)
(P/NP grading only.)
99. Special Study for Undergraduates (1-5)
(P/NP grading only.)
Upper Division Courses
130A. Special Themes in Medieval Cultures (4)
Lecture—3 hours; discussion—1 hour. Each offering concentrates on an interdisciplinary aspect of medieval culture in the Middle East and Europe: the idea of the hero, mysticism, urban development. Extensive readings focused on medieval source material. May be repeated for credit. GE credit: ArtHum, Wrt│AH, WC, WE.
130B. Special Themes in Renaissance Culture (4)
Lecture—3 hours; discussion—1 hour. Each theme illuminates an interdisciplinary aspect of Renaissance culture in the eastern and western hemispheres: exploration, medical pathology, daily life, baroque culture. Immersion in source material from 1500-1650. May be repeated for credit. GE credit: ArtHum, Wrt │AH, WC, WE.
131. Cross-Cultural Relations in the Medieval and/or Early Modern World (4)
Lecture/discussion--3 Hours; extensive writing. Prerequisite: course 20A or 20B or consent of instructor. Medieval and/or Renaissance aspects of cross culturalism. Relations between Christians, Jews, and Muslims: Europeans, Africans, and Asians; Old World and New World. Offered irregularly. GE credit: WC, WE.
189. Seminar in Medieval and Early Modern Culture (4)
Seminar--3 hours; term paper. Prerequisite: course 20A or 20B or consent of Instructor. Focus on a particular problem or issue in the Medieval or Early Modern periods. Seminar topics might include (but not limited to) monasticism, origins of the university, chivalry, exploration, the role of women in the Medieval and Early Modern World. Offered in alternate years. GE credit: WE.
190. Senior Thesis (4)
Seminar—4 hours. Prerequisite: senior standing and major in Medieval and Early Modern Studies. Preparation of a research paper dealing with a selected aspect of premodern (from Late Antique to Early Modern) culture, under supervision with a designated Supervisor and second reader.—I, II, III. (I, II, III.)
With Honor’s standing, a senior and major in Medieval and Early Modern Studies may also apply for 199 and 190 as an Honor’s Senior Thesis in MEMS.
Summary of Course Content: The course content will be determined by the subject of the research paper but will deal with a select aspect of premodern culture (from Late Antique to Early Modern) that will compare and contrast societal literatures and norms from the various geographical regions (at least two, possibly more). The course will require submission of a substantial research paper (18 – 25 pgs.) with documented peer reviewed sources. It will be assessed by the Supervisor and second reader.
Illustrative Reading: Reading and archives will be selected primary texts, artifacts, or visual representations from the various regions premodern worlds. These primary sources will be studied with the help of substantial research into peer-reviewed secondary critical sources. Students will be expected to be familiar with the major premodern databases in Shields Library catalogue.
197T. Tutoring in Medieval Studies (1-4)
Seminar—2 hours. Prerequisite: courses 20A and 20B; upper division standing; consent of instructor and chairperson of curriculum committee. Tutoring in Medieval Studies 20A and 20B, including leadership in small discussion groups affiliated with the course. May be repeated for credit for a total of 6 units. (P/NP grading only.)
198. Directed Group Study (1-5)
(P/NP grading only.)
199. Special Study for Advanced Undergraduates (1-5)
(P/NP grading only.)