Material Worlds of the Middle Ages (318-0-1)

Instructors

Matthew Johnson
847/467-3021
1812 Hinman Ave., Room #201

Meeting Info

2001 Sheridan Anthro Lab 1325: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

In this course, students learn about the culture of medieval Europe, c.AD1000-1500, through material evidence -- landscapes, buildings and objects. Among other topics, we will look at the remains of medieval field systems, villages and hamlets; the houses of peasants and lords; churches great and small; and pottery and other artifacts. The course material will be interdisciplinary: students will look at the evidence of archaeological excavations, survey of standing buildings, analysis of maps and aerial photos, and landscape, social, economic and architectural history. The course will consider Europe as a whole, but there will be an emphasis on medieval England and its neighbors in north-west Europe.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
describe and evaluate different sources of material evidence for the Middle Ages
Articulate a basic understanding of medieval archaeology
Draw down and apply this understanding to a series of particular topics spanning landscapes, buildings and objects

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Foundational Discipline

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-Registration -- Reserved for Anthropology majors and minors until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone.