Course Description
An exploration of the world in the year 1000, focusing on the emergence of long-distance trade networks and cultural connections. Topics include the Viking trans-Atlantic voyages, Chinese traders crossing the Indian Ocean, Mayan expansion in Mesoamerica, flows of gold from West Africa, and Islam on the Silk Road.
Athena Title
The Medieval Globe
Pre or Corequisite
One course in HIST or SOCI or POLS or INTL or RELI or FYOS or GEOG or CHNS or INDO or AFST
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about the nature of the world c. 1000 AD by gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter argument.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays. Students will be able to analyze ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit their finished essays.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how the history of medieval world beyond Western Europe has shaped social and cultural identities and attitudes, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate methodological approaches to their analysis of primary sources and to organize their evidence to show historical continuities and discontinuities.
Topical Outline
- 1. Viking Trans-Atlantic Voyages: From Scandinavia to North America
- 2. Pan-American Highways: The Mayan and Cahokia Trade Networks
- 3. Viking Slave Traders: The Rus and the Christianization of Eastern Europe
- 4. Trans-Saharan Gold Routes: Mansa Musa’s Haj from Ghana to Mecca
- 5. Silk Route Empires: Islamic Dynasties and Nomadic Conquerors
- 6. Indian Ocean Trade Circuits: Chinese, Arab, and Indian Merchants
- 7. The World’s Most Globalized Place: Song-dynasty China
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Communication
The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, interpersonal, or visual form.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
