Medieval Italy, (Hist. 317)

This course examines the history of medieval Italy from the period of the barbarian invasions of the fifth century to the mid-Trecento. It is an age well known for the glittering Byzantine mosaics at Ravenna, the brilliant Norman court at Palermo, the gentle spirituality of Saint Francis, and the vernacular poetry of Dante, each topics considered in this course through primary sources in translation.   Other topics include Guelf/Ghibelline politics, the commune and the contado, long-distance trade and commerce, artistic patronage and heritage, the family, education, religious life and popular devotion. The weekly discussion component of the course aims to make its participants critical readers and writers of history.