HIS0001 Saints and Heroes: Shining a Spotlight on the ‘Dark Ages,’ Europe A.D. 410-1096

Have you ever wondered why we use family names? Or why we exchange rings during a wedding ceremony? Or why it is so difficult to spell correctly in English? The answer to these and other common aspects of our lives originate in a mediaeval past. This is true even in a country such as Canada. For example, take a coin from your pocket and examine the obverse. It reads, Elizabeth II, D.G. Regina. D.G. is a Latin abbreviation for the phrase Dei gratia, by the grace of God. The legend reads in English: Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen. Many of our public institutions besides the monarchy have mediaeval roots, as for example, the concept of the rule of law, and parliament itself. The turn of events from the Fall of Rome until the First Crusade begun in A.D.1096 is the focus of this course. It will examine the broad themes of European social, political, intellectual and economic history and explore how each of these themes contributed to the development of western culture. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of the period on the context of modern western society.

Theme 3: Social and Cultural Understanding

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