CLHUMHI015 - Medieval European History: Dynamism and Creativity
Medieval European history was characterized by a dynamism and creativity that is often overlooked. The medieval period is typically seen as a time of backwardness and barbarism that extended from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance of the 15th century. This stereotype is no longer helpful in understanding the development of European history or, indeed, world history. As historian C. Warren Hollister states, for generations “research has shown that during the Middle Ages society was constantly changing, so much so that the Europe of 1300 was vastly different from the Europe of 600.” Dr. Wil McCorquodale provides for a fresh look at medieval European history, exploring a society that experienced and adapted to great changes and set the stage for the development of the modern world.
Course Details
Wil McCorquodale, Ph.D., has taught history courses at Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, Houston Community College and The Art Institute of Houston, including European history, U.S. history and world civilization. He has also served as a visiting history professor at Tulane University. Dr. McCorquodale received his bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and his doctorate in European history from The University of Texas at Austin.
On Campus
This course will be delivered on campus / in person. Parking and room information will be sent prior to the class start date.
- The Carolingian Empire
- Feudalism, chivalry and the ethos of a warrior society
- Rising productivity and the growth of towns
- Religion and spirituality
- The ascent of the papacy and its conflicts with secular rulers
- Plague, war and schism, which ended the Middle Ages