We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Dr. Gabriela Faundez
This course aims to cover the diverse Christian beliefs, practices, cultural movements that developed of the in Europe from the period Late Antiquity to the end of the Middle Ages. Students will gain an appreciation of the diversity of traditions, perspectives, rituals and practices that characterized ancient and medieval Christianity (a period covering from roughly the 3rd century CE to the 15th century CE), as well as the factors that unified the Christian movement, while acquiring a critical and analytical approach to history in general. Students in this course will become familiar with a variety of primary sources that trace the conversion of European peoples into Christianity, illustrate the power of Christian practices such as the worship of saints, monasticism, scholastic culture, and discuss some of the more contentious events in Christian history such as the Crusades, church schisms, and origins dissent that will later result in the Reformation movements of the 16th century CE. By identifying the roots of doctrine and religious practices, the course will also address how some of the most important Christian traditions originated outside of continental Europe, and how European, African, and Asian influences and interactions throughout the period affected modern religious beliefs and traditions.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/w8hb2j/the
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Understand the history and development of the early christian church in europe
- Gain an appreciation of the diversity of traditions, perspectives and practices that characterized ancient and medieval christianity
- Trace the origins of liturgical, canonical, and doctrinal practices of the church
- Comprehend the complexity of the medieval church and its ties to outside cultures
- Examine how everyday individuals experienced and practiced christianity in their own way
- Understand the history and development of the early christian church in europe
- Gain an appreciation of the diversity of traditions, perspectives and practices that characterized ancient and medieval christianity
- Trace the origins of liturgical, canonical, and doctrinal practices of the church
- Comprehend the complexity of the medieval church and its ties to outside cultures
- Examine how everyday individuals experienced and practiced christianity in their own way
Syllabus
Introduction & Lecture 1
Lecture # 1: “In this Sign You Will Conquer: Christianity in Rome”
Quiz Lecture 1
Lecture 2
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction & Lecture 1
Lecture # 1: “In this Sign You Will Conquer: Christianity in Rome”
Quiz Lecture 1
Lecture 2
Read more
Rule of St Benedict (Only read: Chapters I, V, VI, VIII, IX, XXII, XXXIII, LIX, LXXII, LXXIII)
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the diverse Christian beliefs and practices that shaped Europe from Late Antiquity to the end of the Middle Ages, offering a broad historical perspective
Examines primary sources that trace the conversion of European peoples to Christianity, providing valuable insights into the historical context and cultural shifts of the era
Addresses how European, African, and Asian influences affected modern religious beliefs, offering a global perspective on the development of Christian traditions
Familiarizes learners with contentious events in Christian history, such as the Crusades and church schisms, which helps contextualize the Reformation movements of the 16th century
Includes a lecture on the rise of Islam, which provides a broader context for understanding the interactions between Christianity and other cultures during the medieval period
Features readings from the Rule of St. Benedict, which may require learners to obtain a copy of the text if it is not provided within the course materials
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Comprehensive overview of medieval christian history
According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive overview of the history of Medieval Christianity. Many highlight the instructor's expertise and find the lectures engaging, covering a broad range of topics from Late Antiquity to the 14th-century crises. Students appreciate the structured syllabus and note that the quizzes are helpful for reinforcing learning and staying on track. While generally well-received as a survey, some reviewers mention the pace can feel fast or that it might be challenging for complete beginners without prior historical knowledge. Overall, it provides a solid foundation for understanding this complex period.
Inclusion of historical text excerpts.
"I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of primary source excerpts like the Rule of St. Benedict."
"The inclusion of primary sources was a real bonus."
Quizzes aid understanding and reinforce learning.
"The weekly quizzes were a good way to check my understanding and kept me on track."
"The quizzes helped consolidate the information."
"Quizzes help reinforce material."
"The quizzes consolidate learning effectively."
Covers vast material and provides overview.
"...covered a vast amount of material from Late Antiquity through the Black Death era."
"A very thorough introduction to a complex period. The course covers a wide range of topics..."
"While it's an overview, it gives you a solid foundation..."
"...don't expect extreme depth on any single topic, but that's appropriate for an introductory course."
Instructor's expertise makes topics engaging.
"Professor H taught with such clarity and passion. The lectures were engaging..."
"The professor is clearly an expert and makes the material accessible and interesting."
"Absolutely loved this course! The history came alive through the engaging lectures."
"Lectures are clear and well-structured."
Pace can be fast or requires prior knowledge.
"I struggled with the pace in some lectures."
"...sometimes felt a bit rushed given the amount of ground covered."
"As someone new to this period, I struggled to keep up with all the names and events."
"maybe not ideal for complete beginners."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The History of Medieval Christianity with these
activities:
Review 'The Making of the West: Peoples and Cultures'
Show steps
Gain a broader understanding of the historical context surrounding the development of Christianity in the West.
View
The Making of the West: To 1740
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'The Making of the West'.
-
Focus on chapters covering Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
-
Take notes on key political, social, and economic developments.
Review Roman History
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of the political and social landscape of the Roman Empire, which heavily influenced the early development of Christianity.
Browse courses on
Roman Empire
Show steps
-
Review notes from previous courses on Roman history.
-
Focus on the period from the 1st to 5th centuries CE.
-
Pay attention to the political structure, social classes, and major events.
Create a Timeline of Key Events in Medieval Christianity
Show steps
Visualize the chronological order of significant events and figures discussed in the course to improve comprehension and retention.
Show steps
-
Identify key events and figures from the course syllabus and lectures.
-
Research the dates of these events and figures.
-
Create a visual timeline using online tools or software.
-
Add brief descriptions of each event or figure.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Discuss Primary Source Readings with Peers
Show steps
Engage in collaborative learning by discussing the assigned primary source readings with other students to gain different perspectives and deepen understanding.
Show steps
-
Form a study group with classmates.
-
Choose a primary source reading from the syllabus.
-
Prepare discussion questions beforehand.
-
Share insights and interpretations during the session.
Review 'A History of Medieval Christianity'
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the theological, political, and social aspects of medieval Christianity.
View
Peter Abelard and Heloise
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'A History of Medieval Christianity'.
-
Read chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
-
Take detailed notes on key concepts and arguments.
Write a Blog Post on a Specific Aspect of Medieval Christianity
Show steps
Consolidate your knowledge by researching and writing about a specific topic covered in the course, such as monasticism, the Crusades, or scholasticism.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific topic related to medieval Christianity.
-
Conduct further research using academic sources.
-
Write a well-structured and informative blog post.
-
Include relevant images or multimedia.
-
Share your blog post online.
Research and Present on a Medieval Saint
Show steps
Explore the life and legacy of a specific medieval saint to gain a deeper understanding of popular religion and the cult of saints.
Show steps
-
Choose a medieval saint to research.
-
Gather information from primary and secondary sources.
-
Prepare a presentation outlining the saint's life, miracles, and significance.
-
Present your findings to classmates or in a public forum.
Review 'The Making of the West: Peoples and Cultures'
Show steps
Gain a broader understanding of the historical context surrounding the development of Christianity in the West.
View
The Making of the West: To 1740
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'The Making of the West'.
- Focus on chapters covering Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
- Take notes on key political, social, and economic developments.
Review Roman History
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of the political and social landscape of the Roman Empire, which heavily influenced the early development of Christianity.
Browse courses on
Roman Empire
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes from previous courses on Roman history.
- Focus on the period from the 1st to 5th centuries CE.
- Pay attention to the political structure, social classes, and major events.
Create a Timeline of Key Events in Medieval Christianity
Show steps
Visualize the chronological order of significant events and figures discussed in the course to improve comprehension and retention.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify key events and figures from the course syllabus and lectures.
- Research the dates of these events and figures.
- Create a visual timeline using online tools or software.
- Add brief descriptions of each event or figure.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Discuss Primary Source Readings with Peers
Show steps
Engage in collaborative learning by discussing the assigned primary source readings with other students to gain different perspectives and deepen understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a study group with classmates.
- Choose a primary source reading from the syllabus.
- Prepare discussion questions beforehand.
- Share insights and interpretations during the session.
Review 'A History of Medieval Christianity'
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the theological, political, and social aspects of medieval Christianity.
View
Peter Abelard and Heloise
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'A History of Medieval Christianity'.
- Read chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
- Take detailed notes on key concepts and arguments.
Write a Blog Post on a Specific Aspect of Medieval Christianity
Show steps
Consolidate your knowledge by researching and writing about a specific topic covered in the course, such as monasticism, the Crusades, or scholasticism.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific topic related to medieval Christianity.
- Conduct further research using academic sources.
- Write a well-structured and informative blog post.
- Include relevant images or multimedia.
- Share your blog post online.
Research and Present on a Medieval Saint
Show steps
Explore the life and legacy of a specific medieval saint to gain a deeper understanding of popular religion and the cult of saints.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a medieval saint to research.
- Gather information from primary and secondary sources.
- Prepare a presentation outlining the saint's life, miracles, and significance.
- Present your findings to classmates or in a public forum.
Career center
Learners who complete The History of Medieval Christianity will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
Historian
The historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the past, often specializing in a particular period or region. This course on the history of medieval Christianity helps build a deep understanding of a significant era in European history, providing the historical context and analytical skills necessary for a historian. The course's focus on primary sources, such as tracing the conversion of European peoples into Christianity, monasticism, scholastic culture, and contentious events such as the Crusades, equips aspiring historians with the ability to critically evaluate historical evidence. For those specifically interested in religious or European history, this course is a valuable asset.
Religious Studies Professor
Religious Studies Professor
A religious studies professor teaches and conducts research on various aspects of religion. This course on the history of medieval Christianity helps build a strong foundation in a specific area of religious history, providing valuable content and teaching material. The course's exploration of diverse Christian beliefs, practices, and movements, as well as its analytical approach to history, would be beneficial for designing lectures and research projects. The Religious Studies Professor will find the insights into the roots of doctrine and religious practices to be particularly helpful.
Theology Teacher
Theology Teacher
A theology teacher instructs students on theological concepts and religious doctrines. This course on the history of medieval Christianity enables a deeper understanding of the historical development of Christian theology. The course's coverage of the origins of liturgical, canonical, and doctrinal practices of the church is directly relevant to theological studies. The Theology Teacher will be in a better position to explain the evolution of Christian thought and practices by understanding the historical context provided in this course.
Museum curator
Museum curator
A museum curator oversees a museum's collections, including acquiring, researching, and exhibiting artifacts. This course may be useful for a curator specializing in religious or medieval history. The course's insights into the development of Christian beliefs, practices, and cultural movements in Europe from late antiquity to the end of the Middle Ages provides a valuable foundation for curating exhibits related to this period. The understanding of the diversity of Christian traditions, perspectives, rituals, and practices will help a curator develop more impactful and informative exhibits.
Archivist
Archivist
An archivist is responsible for appraising, collecting, organizing, preserving, and making accessible historical records and documents. This course addresses the history of medieval Christianity, and may be helpful in understanding the significance and context of related archival materials. The course's exploration of liturgical, canonical, and doctrinal practices of the church allows the archivist to categorize and preserve religious manuscripts with appropriate context. An archivist working with religious documents would find this course particularly insightful.
Cultural Heritage Manager
Cultural Heritage Manager
A cultural heritage manager works to preserve and promote cultural heritage sites and traditions. This course focused on the history of medieval Christianity helps to understand the historical and cultural significance of Christian heritage sites and traditions in Europe. The course's exploration of the diversity of Christian traditions, perspectives, rituals, and practices equips the cultural heritage manager with the knowledge to develop effective preservation and interpretation strategies. The Cultural Heritage Manager will find the course particularly relevant.
Librarian
Librarian
A librarian manages library resources and assists patrons in finding information. This course on the history of medieval Christianity may be useful to a librarian responsible for collections related to religion, history, or European studies. The librarian's ability to understand the historical context and significance of relevant books and manuscripts is enhanced through this course. The insights into the origins of doctrine and religious practices will also help inform collection development and cataloging decisions.
Grant Writer
Grant Writer
A grant writer researches and writes proposals to secure funding for organizations. This course addressing the history of medieval Christianity provides valuable background knowledge to a grant writer working for religious or historical institutions. The grant writer's understanding of the significance and impact of medieval Christianity enhances their ability to craft compelling grant proposals. The course's exploration of the cultural movements and historical events of the period provides specific details and narratives that can be used to support funding requests.
Editor
Editor
An editor reviews and prepares written material for publication. This course on the history of medieval Christianity may be useful for an editor specializing in academic or religious publications. The course's detailed examination of Christian history and traditions gives the editor a strong foundation for evaluating and refining manuscripts related to this subject. The ability to critically assess historical arguments and identify potential inaccuracies allows the editor to ensure the quality and credibility of published works.
Nonprofit Director
Nonprofit Director
A nonprofit director leads and manages a nonprofit organization, overseeing its programs, fundraising, and operations. This course on the history of medieval Christianity may be useful to a nonprofit director working for a religious organization or an organization focused on cultural preservation or interfaith dialogue. The course's exploration of the diversity of Christian traditions, perspectives, and practices, as well as the historical interactions between Christianity and other cultures, provides a valuable understanding of the organization's mission and the communities it serves. The Nonprofit Director can use this historical knowledge to inform their strategic planning, program development, and fundraising efforts.
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officer
A foreign service officer represents their country's interests abroad and engages in diplomatic activities. This course on the history of medieval Christianity may be useful to a foreign service officer working in Europe or the Middle East, where Christianity has played a significant role in shaping cultural and political landscapes. The course's exploration of the diversity of Christian traditions, perspectives, and practices, as well as the historical interactions between Christianity and other religions and cultures, provides a valuable foundation for understanding local contexts and building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. The Foreign Service Officer can leverage this knowledge to promote mutual understanding and cooperation.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
A policy analyst researches and analyzes policy issues to develop recommendations for government or organizations. This course covering the history of medieval Christianity may be useful to a policy analyst working on issues related to religious freedom, cultural preservation, or international relations. The course's insights into the historical interactions between Christianity and other cultures, as well as the origins of religious conflicts and schisms, provides a valuable context for understanding contemporary policy challenges. The Policy Analyst can use this historical perspective to inform their policy recommendations.
Lobbyist
Lobbyist
A lobbyist advocates for specific causes or organizations by influencing government policy. This course focusing on the history of medieval Christianity may be useful for a lobbyist working for religious organizations or advocating on issues related to religious freedom. The course's exploration of the historical relationship between the church and state, as well as the origins of religious conflicts and schisms, provides a valuable context for understanding the political and legal issues surrounding religious freedom. The Lobbyist can use this historical knowledge to inform their advocacy efforts and shape public policy.
Intelligence Specialist
Intelligence Specialist
An intelligence specialist gathers and analyzes information to support national security or law enforcement efforts. This course is about the history of medieval Christianity, and may be useful to an intelligence specialist focused on religious or cultural issues in Europe or the Middle East. The course's examination of the historical roots of religious conflicts and the interactions between Christianity and other cultures provides context for understanding contemporary geopolitical dynamics. The intelligence specialist may leverage this historical knowledge to inform their analysis and assessments.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social workers assist individuals and communities in need, often addressing issues related to poverty, mental health, and social injustice. This course on the history of medieval Christianity may be useful to a social worker working with religious communities or individuals affected by religious conflicts or discrimination. The course's exploration of the diversity of Christian traditions, perspectives, and practices, as well as the historical roots of religious intolerance and persecution, provides a valuable context for understanding the challenges faced by these communities and individuals. The Social Worker can use this historical knowledge to inform their practice and advocate for social justice.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/w8hb2j/the
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
The History of Medieval Christianity.
Offers a comprehensive overview of the history of Christianity during the medieval period. It delves into the theological, political, and social aspects of the church, providing a detailed analysis of key events and figures. This book valuable resource for students seeking a deeper understanding of the subject matter and is often used as a textbook in upper-level courses.
Provides a broad overview of Western civilization, including the medieval period. It's particularly useful for students who need a refresher on the political, social, and economic context in which medieval Christianity developed. While not solely focused on religion, it offers valuable background information and is often used as a textbook in introductory history courses.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/w8hb2j/the
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser