Legacy Course Catalog
HIST 590A - Early Byzantine Empire
| Effectivity: | 08/25/2008 - 12/20/2008 @ Purdue West Lafayette Traditional |
|---|---|
| Credits: | 3 |
| Instructional Types: | Lec |
| Usually Offered: | fal spr |
| Short Title: | Early Byzantine Empire |
| Description: | This course is designed as an introduction to early Byzantine civilization and history, A.D. 330-843. In it we will trace the transformation of the ancient world and the emergence of a distinctly medieval Byzantine civilization. We will observe the growth and triumph of Christianity and its transformation into a world religion. We will examine critically the myths concerning the "fall of the Roman empire" and the typical evaluation of Byzantium. We will attempt to understand Byzantine civilization through the eyes of the Byzantines themselves, examining their values and comparing them with those of our own. In this regard, we will seek to gain insight into the religious sensitivities of the Byzantines and how Byzantine Christianity expressed important transcendent ideas. We will also investigate relations between Byzantium and its neighbors and pay special attention to the military developments that influenced the course of history in this crucial period. The Byzantine Empire represents a fascinating, although little-known chapter in human history. This course is designed to explore some aspects of that civilization and to expose you to challenging new ideas. An understanding of Byzantine history has special importance in today's world since it was played out in the vortex that gave rise to the current disputes between Arabs, Jews, and Christians and it represents the cultural heritage of many Americans with heritage in the Middle East, the Mediterranean area, and Eastern Europe. |
| School: | College Of Liberal Arts |
| Department: | History |
| Credit By Exam: | NO |
| Repeatable Flag: | YES |
| Temporary Flag: | YES |
| Full Time Privilege Flag: | NO |
| Honors Flag: | NO |
| Variable Title Flag: | NO |
Fall 2007 *** indicates the course was still an active course and was transferred to the Banner Catalog effective Spring 2008. This course was not expired Fall 2007.
