Roots of our Civilisation

The fall of the Roman Empire is a recurring topic within historical research; especially the question of whether it is change or continuity that best characterize developments in Western Europa after the fall of the Empire.
In this course, we explore the long lines of development within European society. In addition to our main perspective, change and continuity, we also discuss the Roman cultural sphere and its continuing influence in the early Middle Ages. We focus on political, cultural, religious, and socio-economic developments in the first millennium with the intent of tracing the roots to our civilisation.

Knowledge: The candidate has achieved insights and understanding of the academic discussions relating to the fall of the Roman Empire. The candidate is familiar and able to discuss the long lines of development within European society, and address the question of change and continuity. The candidate is able to give an account of and discuss political, cultural, religious, and socio-economic developments in the first millennium.
Skills: The candidate is able to apply his/her knowledge of this period to discuss and analyse the political, religious, cultural and socio-economic developments within Western Europe from c. 300 to 1000. He/she is able to present their knowledge in writing, having written an essay that complies with the requirements of academic writing.

Lectures and one mandatory paper.