Exploring Historical Parallels: Learning from Medieval History

Full course description

The Middle Ages (500-1500) are often seen as a grim period in European history, riddled with famine, disease, warfare, and intellectual stagnation. Commonly referred to as the 'Dark Ages' in its early phase and plagued by the so-called ‘crisis of the Late Middle Ages’ during the 14th and 15th centuries - when the Great Famine, the Hundred Years’ War and the Black Death consecutively wreaked havoc on Europe - the Medieval period is often portrayed as a distant, hazardous world that is of little relevance for contemporary issues. Yet the Middle Ages gave us some of the most impressive feats of human engineering as well as timeless works of art and literature. More importantly, the Medieval period heralded in momentous societal and political changes that have shaped our current society. This course delves into the intricacies of the Medieval period, inviting you to journey beyond the surface and discover the multifaceted dimensions that render this era not just a distant past but a crucial chapter in the ongoing narrative of human civilization.

In late 2019 Chris Jones, Conor Kostick and Klaus Oschema published an edited volume titled ‘Making the Medieval relevant’ in which they stated that the Medieval past informs the present in a myriad of ways. This course aims to do exactly that, make the Middle Ages relevant by drawing parallels between modern day societal, economic, and cultural occurrences and the Medieval past. In doing so, students are taught to use Medieval History as a tool to understand the root causes of contemporary societal phenomenon. By navigating the intersections of history, this course empowers students to discern parallels between the Medieval era and the complexities of our current society. It goes beyond mere historical exploration, offering a lens through which students can analyze and interpret modern-day issues. In the process, students are equipped with the analytical skills needed to unravel the root causes of various societal phenomena, such as the perpetuation of scapegoating, the manipulation of historical narratives, and the systemic persecution of minorities.

Instead of presenting a chronological overview of the Middle Ages, this course adopts a thematic approach, organizing its structure around weekly themes that resonate with contemporary societal issues. Each theme serves as a lens through which students can engage in a nuanced exploration of the Middle Ages, employing a historical comparative methodology. By linking historical contexts to present-day concerns, the course aims to breathe life into the past and demonstrate its ongoing relevance.