Summer 2025 - HIST 220 D100
Late Medieval and Renaissance Europe (3)
Class Number: 2322
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Emily O'Brien
eobrien@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the world of late Medieval and Renaissance Europe (c.1200-c.1500). Breadth-Humanities.
COURSE DETAILS:
Why did so many young girls become nuns in the Middle Ages? Why was there an artistic revolution in Renaissance Italy? Where did religious intolerance come from in medieval Europe? And how can studying the Black Death help us navigate our Covid-19 world? These questions and more stand at the centre of this introductory course on late medieval and Renaissance Europe (c.1200 – c.1500). A defining period in the history of the continent, this was the age of Michelangelo and Joan of Arc, of plagues and crusades, of Magna Carta and the Inquisition, and of the “rebirth” of Greek and Roman antiquity. As we explore these three centuries, we will trace five principal themes: the changing shape of medieval spirituality; the clash and integration of Christian, Jewish and Muslim cultures; the rise of new forms of secular government and religious authority; the interconnected crises of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries; and the intellectual and artistic cultures of the medieval court and the Italian Renaissance. To help us forge our understanding of these issues, we will work closely with a wide range of primary sources — from eyewitness accounts of the Black Death to a “how to” manual for medieval wives, and from the lyrics of crusader songs to the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
In addition to teaching the fundamental developments of this historical era, HIST 220 aims to train students in the close and rigorous analysis of primary sources – a skill critical to success both inside and outside the classroom. Students will deepen their understanding of analysis by learning to craft good historical questions; by writing interpretations of literary texts, historical documents, and artifacts; and by exploring the historical significance of these sources in the context of tutorial discussions. HIST 220 also offers students explicit instruction in class participation.
Grading
- Tutorial Attendance + Participation 20%
- In-class writing assignments 25%
- Midterm 25%
- First short writing assignment 10%
- Second short writing assignment 20%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Barbara H. Rosenwein, A Short History of the Middle Ages, Volume II: From c. 900 to c. 1500, Sixth edition (University of Toronto Press, 2023): ISBN for different editions: epub: 9781487546991; pdf: 9781487547004; paperback: 9781487546984
This book will be available for purchase through the SFU bookstore, and a copy will be put on reserve at Bennett library. All tutorial readings will be available via Canvas.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.