This course examines the Barbarian successor states established in the fifth and sixth centuries after the disintegration of the Roman Empire in the West, including a long discussion about the varying opinions on how and why the western Roman empire fell. It will focus primarily on the Frankish kingdom of Gaul, but will also make forays into Lombard Italy, Visigothic Spain, and Vandal North Africa. In particular, the course will look in depth at the Carolingian empire established c. 800 by Charlemagne, who is often seen as the founder of Europe, and whose empire is often regarded as the precursor of today's European Union. Political, cultural, religious, and economic developments will be given equal time.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: None.

Instructor: Ramseyer

Distribution Requirements: HS - Historical Studies

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: