Session Seven

Europe in the Middle (Dark) Ages

Introduction: The seventh session studies the period in time known as the "Middle" or "Dark" ages of Europe. To better understand this period we will read chapter one of Robert Scott's Miracle Cures, Saints, Pilgrimage, and the Healing Powers of Belief (2010) and watching the documentary "Europe in the Middle Ages." Central to this discussion was just how "dark" this era really was and whether innovation and advancement actually occurred in the Islamic world during this period.

After having completed the readings for this session and reviewed the accompanying video you may choose - on a purely optional basis - to answer the study questions and submit them at etwimber@hotmail.com or to contact Dr. Wimberley by phone or email to request a time for dialogue about what you have learned. You may do so by phone or dialogue via Skype or Facetime. Dr. Wimberley's phone number is 239.405.4164. We may convene group meetings of the class using the Zoom application on our computers. You can enroll in this course by emailing etwimber@hotmail.com or by texting Dr. Wimberley at 239.405.4164.

Reading: Robert Scott (2010) Miracle Cures, Saints, Pilgrimage, and the Healing Powers of Belief. Chapter One: "Life in the Middle Ages"

Video: Europe in the Middle Ages

Study Questions:

  1. What were the "middle ages" and between what eras are they situated historically?
  2. What made the "middle ages" "dark" in the opinion of some historians
  3. Were the middle ages "dark" in the Islam world of this era? Explain.
  4. What were the challenges of medieval life?
  5. Why was "fear of God's wrath" a central concern during the middle ages?
  6. In what ways did religion thwart "diversity" during the middle ages?
  7. Describe the "field rotation" system that revolutionized agriculture in the middle ages?
  8. What was the significance of agricultural innovation during the middle ages?