HIST 688D - Climate, Ecology, and Human Activity in the Premodern World

(3 units)

Introduction to the environmental history of the premodern world, and specifically (although not exclusively) medieval Europe, and with a parallel focus on the integration of paleoecology and paleoclimate data into historical narratives. The principle questions governing this course are: (1) How do we “know” about the past (and what are the range of sources we can use)? (2) In what ways are climate, environment, and human activities related? (3) How do humans think about the world around them?

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Spring - Even Years

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. analyze and interpret historical and scientific research on the past environment through discussions, written assignments, and oral presentations.
2. explain various aspects of environmental history and its development from the beginning of the Holocence to the end of the Middle Ages.
3. synthesize, analyze, and convey complex historical information by means of a final project and presentation.
4. organize and evaluate historical and paleoscience data from a specific premodern context for classroom discussion.

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