An introduction to the premodern West, from the start of the
written record up to the Age of Exploration. Explores the
practices and priorities of a succession of different societies,
highlighting how these behaviors and ideas manifested themselves
in art, economy, ethnic identity, gender, government,
philosophy, play, religion, and technology.
Athena Title
Western Society to 1500
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in HIST 2311H
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about the pre-modern European world through 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 about pre-modern European history and texts. 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 pre-modern European history shaped social and cultural identities in Europe, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
Topical Outline
Introduction
Pre-history & Mesopotamia
Ancient Egypt
Western Asia
Minoans & Ancient Greece
Classical Greece
The Hellenistic World
Republican Rome
Late Empire
Early Christianity
Late Antiquity and New Kingdoms
Rise of the Christian Church
Byzantium
Rise of Islam
Carolingian and Post-Carolingian Eras
Medieval Economy and Society
The Crusades
Social and Religious Movements
Medieval Learning and Culture
Fourteenth-Century Calamity
Crisis and Consolidation
The Renaissance: Humanism
The Renaissance: Fine Art
General Education Core
CORE IV: World Languages and Global Culture CORE V: Social Sciences
Institutional Competencies
Communication
The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, or visual form.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
