This course is an introductory survey of medieval society, culture, and politics, beginning with the decline of the Roman Empire through the fifteenth century. We will pay some attention to the interactions between Byzantium, the Islamic world, and the medieval West; however, the main focus of this course will be Western Europe. Topics covered in the course include the rise and fall of Charlemagne’s empire; the rise of European monarchies; the recurrent conflicts between popes and kings; the crises of the fourteenth century; and the recovery of the classical intellectual heritage. Must have six credit hours of history or permission of instructor. Spring, every third year.