Crisis, wealth and participation. Europe 1300-1550

The subject of the course is long term changes in European history in the late medieval period. Three phenomena will be in focus: Crisis, wealth and participation. The course will integrate the Scandinavian development in a European context.
The late middle ages has traditionally been seen as a period of political, economical, religious and social crisis. In this course, we will focus on certain sides of this crisis. The crisis is first and foremost connected to the demographical crisis resulting from the waves of pestilence from the mid-14th century. The decrease of the population resulted in drastic and sudden changes in the economic and political structures. Among the “losers” in the process was the landed aristocracy.
On the other hand, the drop in population led to increased wealth among the larger groups of the European population. The development of trade and specialized production also contributed to a higher standard of living for larger parts of the population.
The demographic crisis also led to a crisis of resources for the European institution of power (church, kingdoms, principalities and other polities). As a mean of preserving or strengthening these institutions, we see a marked increase in the possibilities of participation in political processes form different groups in society, both formally and informally. This gave larger segments of society increased political influence, and increased legitimacy to the institutions. Political influence could be gained in different ways, from delegation of power to representation in estates, through increased political dialogue and communication, or rebellions.

A candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome according to the course curriculum, defined as knowledge and skills:

Knowledge
The candidate
-has knowledge about processes of change in the demographic, political religious, economic and social fields in Europe ca. 1300-1550
-has knowledge and ability to of different theoretical approaches and perspectives to explain these processes

Skills
The candidate
-is able to analyze historical data
-has a basis to make independent research based on literature and sources

Lectures, one mandatory paper, 4-hour written exam