Medieval Civilization II (Historiographical problems of the later Middle Ages), (Hist. 610)

This course is neither lecture nor survey; rather, it is designed as an introduction to some of the major historiographical themes and problems of the later medieval period.  We shall examine historians' methods and approaches to these topics by way of a mixture of classic monographs and articles interspersed with some of the newest and most stimulating contributions to the field.  Topics include: women and gender;  twelfth-century renaissance; family; violence and civil disorder; towns; political configurations; theories and practice of government; religious life; plague; rebellions.  All readings are in English.