HS 304 - Renaissance and Reformation in Europe

(3.00 cr.)

Prerequisite: One HS 100-level course. Between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries Europe changed. Continual warfare, rebellion, and disease altered societal norms at all levels. This, coupled with the rising power of an urban "middle class" and the declining power of the feudal nobility, meant that the traditional medieval society was coming to an end. Also changing during this time was the intellectual history of Europe. Education became more available, and universities multiplied and flourished. Humanism was taught and influenced all forms of intellectual expression: art, literature, philosophy, science, music, and even theology. In fact, it was in theology that the changes in intellectual thought made their most enduring impact, for ultimately they caused many to question medieval religious tradition. Martin Luther would respond by tacking the 95 Theses to the door of the Church of Wittenberg, and western Europe ceased to be unified in its Christianity. What followed was more than a century of religious upheaval and conflict. All of these themes are explored in depth. IM