Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.100.102

The Medieval World

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(3.92)

This course explores selected topics in the political, economic, social, and intellectual history of Western Europe in the wider world in the period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the fourteenth century. Special emphasis will be given to understanding the ways in which medieval society functioned as it reorganized itself after the almost total collapse of the ancient world. Topics include: religious plurality, sovereignty and subjecthood, flourishing of learning, chivalric culture, crusading, and the plague and its effects. We will follow the interplay between material and cultural forces in the processes of social organization.

Fall 2012

(4.0)

Fall 2013

(3.72)

Fall 2014

(4.03)

Fall 2012

Professor: Gabrielle Spiegel

(4.0)

The best aspects of this course included the interesting course material and lectures, as well as the informative class section meetings where students were able to get more clarity on the readings and lectures. The professor and teaching assistant were extremely knowledgeable and provided lots of helpful insight for the students. The worst aspect of the course was the dul class lectures. The course would significantly improve if the lecture presentations were more visual and interactive. Prospective students should be prepared to do lots of reading and weekly papers in this entry-level history course.

Fall 2013

Professor: Gabrielle Spiegel

(3.72)

The best aspect of this course was learning details about history stretching back to Rome and early Christianity. Many students had issue with the way lectures are structured with multiple students saying they wished the instructor used presentation software such as PowerPoint to better present information to students so they could more easily follow along. Suggestions for improvement included having the instructor incorporate technology such as PowerPoint more into her teaching and to better match up reading assignments with exams and class lectures. Prospective students should know that the class required heavy reading and writing. Prospective students should also know that students were expected to complete a weekly writing assignment.

Fall 2014

Professor: Gabrielle Spiegel

(4.03)

Students felt the best aspects of this class were the knowledgeable and engaging instructor, the depth of material covered, and the chance to have further discussions in section. Many students thought the trip to the Walters to view some primary sources was especially enjoyable and tied together readings with firsthand experience. The worst aspects of the course were the dry and confusing lectures and the ambiguous grading system. Better organization in the lecture slides and fewer short writing assignments were common suggestions for improvement. Students who are considering this course should know that there are weekly reading response essays which could become a burden sometimes. However, students also should know the class is interesting and they will enjoy the dark ages more than they thought.