January 29th Readings and Preparation

Readings:

  • SH, 141-146.
  • Elizabeth A.R. Brown, “The Tyranny of a Construct: Feudalism and Historians of Medieval Europe”, American Historical Review 79.4 (October 1974): 1063-1088. Brown-TyrannyConstructFeudalism-1974. 

Preparation:

For today’s class, we’ll be focusing on debates among medieval historians about the use of the term “feudalism”. The article by Elizabeth Brown is a foundational work in this debate, written in 1974. To prepare for class, read Brown’s article and think about the following questions:

  • What is Brown’s main argument? What is the central point she is trying to make in this article?
  • What are some of the secondary sources she uses to explore her argument? Give some examples.
  • Were you convinced by Brown’s argument? Why or why not?

Slides:

#8-Debating Feudalism

January 31st Readings and Preparation

Readings:

  • SH, 180-185.
  • SMR, 5.1 “Launching the Investiture Conflict: Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085)”; 5.2 “The Royal Response: Henry IV, Letter to Gregory VII (1075)”

Preparation:

The confrontation between Pope Gregory VII and Emperor Henry IV is very dramatic and even features a scene where Henry lay outside a castle in the snow!! Think about how you might conceptualize their relationship based on these two letters.

Slides:

#9-Gregorian Reform and Investiture Controversy

Assignments and Online Discussion

Assignments:

Part One of the Research Trail is due Monday January 29th at midnight via moodle. For information: Research Trail Part One

Online discussion:

  • Group One (last name A-G) will do their online discussion engagement by Saturday January 27th at midnight. Please respond to the prompt posted on the chatboard.
  • Group Two (last name H-Z) will do their online discussion engagement by Monday January 29th at midnight. Please respond to the prompt posted on the chatboard.