HIS 5031 Medieval Synthesis
Europe in the Early Middle Ages was an unstable world, with its collapsing imperial framework, migrating peoples, contrary cultures, insecure economic structures and clashing political strategies. From that a new balance was struck, through the blending of Roman, Germanic, Celtic and Christian orders, and a Medieval Synthesis was forged. The readings emphasize primary sources and their interpretation while modern secondary sources will further inform our exploration into the phenomenon of cultural synthesis and its place in history. (Spring)