Spring 2020 - HIST 349 D100

Rome after Rome: The Byzantine Middle Ages from the end of Antiquity to the Crusades (4)

Class Number: 8078

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including 6 units of lower division history.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This is a history of Byzantium, Rome's direct heir, that familiarizes students with the social, political, economic, and cultural history of Byzantium from the rise of the Caliphate in the seventh century to the Carolingians, the Crusades, the emergence of the Italian maritime republics and the ascent of the Seljuk Turks. Students with credit for HIST/HS 308, HS/HIST 317 or HS 349 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Byzantium was the empire of the medieval Romans. In this course we study Roman history in the Byzantine era, from the middle of the ninth century to the fifteenth century. By covering some six centuries of history it necessarily deals with much change. When we start, Byzantium is entering the so-called Dark Ages. In the coming two centuries of blood, sweat, and tears the empire survives the challenges of Arab threats, Bulgarian incursions, internal dissent – both political and religious. The tenth century is a period of military glory and conquest that makes Byzantium the dominant power of the Mediterranean. In the eleventh century the Byzantines face the explosive militarism and piety of the Crusaders and by the 13th century that encounter leads to blood and destruction. Byzantium survives but by the end the empire is a ghost of its old self, confined to the walls of Constantinople and to some lands in Greece. The fleets of Italian city-states, the monarchy of France and Spain and the empire of the Ottoman Turks rule the new world in which it exists. During this semester we will follow the changes in Byzantine society that take place over some six centuries.

We will talk about Byzantines of all walks of life, men, women and eunuchs and we will study their history, culture, and society. A more formal written version of the lectures presented in class will be accessible online on the class’ native Learning Management System.

Grading

  • Class participation 20%
  • First Paper 20%
  • Second Paper 20%
  • Final Paper 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Timothy Gregory, A History of Byzantium, (available on Kindle, for purchase online)

All other required readings will be available either online or at the SFU Library.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS