Program in Medieval Studies
Princeton University
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Med 227: the World of the Middle Ages

Professor Michael Curschmann
Lectures T Th 11:00-11:50/ 1 precept TBA
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Office Hours: TBA

An introduction to medieval culture mainly, but not exclusively in Western Europe, 800-1400. Lectures (with slides) will cover three major areas: 1)general perspectives (perception of time and space; orality and literacy; writing and the Christian Church; symbols and images), 2) Cultural diversity (Western Europe, Byzantium and the West, etc.), and 3) Major artistic forms of expression (Chant and the lyric drama; epic and romance; religious and profane iconography). Visits to the Index of Christian Art, the Art Museum, and the Manuscript department in Firestone.
Assignments: 100-150 pages of reading a week; midterm (20%) and final exam, two short papers of 5-8 pages (30%) and class precepts and participation (20%). This course is required for concentrators and is open particularly to freshmen. Prerequisite for entering the Program in Medieval Studies. This course is accompanied by the computer program Mappamundi.

 

Syllabus (with links to images and glossary entries--Princeton only).

Bibliography

Exams

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