Module #1 Introduction to the Medieval Church Overview of the course, importance of the Church in medieval society, and key themes to be explored.
Module #2 The Early Christian Church Origins of Christianity, the role of the apostles, and the Churchs development in the Roman Empire.
Module #3 The Fall of the Roman Empire and the Rise of the Church Impact of the barbarian invasions on the Church, the role of monasticism, and the Churchs response to the decline of the Roman Empire.
Module #4 The Carolingian Renaissance Charlemagnes reforms, the revival of learning, and the Churchs role in education and culture.
Module #5 The Church Hierarchy Structure of the Church, roles of the Pope, bishops, priests, and monks, and the concept of apostolic succession.
Module #6 The Power of the Papacy Growth of papal authority, the role of the Pope in medieval politics, and key papal figures such as Gregory VII and Innocent III.
Module #7 Monasticism and the Monastic Orders Development of monasticism, the Rule of St. Benedict, and the roles of monks in medieval society.
Module #8 The Crusades Causes, course, and consequences of the Crusades, including the role of the Church in promoting and leading crusading efforts.
Module #9 Church and State Relations Tensions and conflicts between the Church and secular rulers, including the Investiture Controversy.
Module #10 The Church and Economic Life The Churchs role in medieval economy, including the management of land, trade, and finance.
Module #11 The Church and Education The Churchs role in promoting education, the development of cathedral schools and universities, and key figures such as Peter Abelard.
Module #12 The Church and the Arts The Churchs patronage of art and architecture, including the development of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Module #13 Heretics and Heresy The Churchs response to heresy, including the Albigensian Crusade and the establishment of the Inquisition.
Module #14 The Church and Popular Piety The Churchs role in shaping medieval popular culture, including the use of relics, pilgrimage, and the veneration of saints.
Module #15 The Church and Women The role of women in the Church, including the lives of female saints, abbesses, and mystics.
Module #16 The Church and the Jews The Churchs attitude towards Jews, including anti-Semitism, persecution, and forced conversion.
Module #17 The Church and the Islamic World The Churchs response to the Islamic conquests, including the Reconquista and the role of the Church in the Crusades.
Module #18 The Church and the Environment The Churchs attitude towards the natural world, including the concept of stewardship and the impact of medieval agriculture and economy on the environment.
Module #19 The Church and Warfare The Churchs role in promoting and regulating warfare, including the development of chivalry and the concept of just war.
Module #20 The Church and the Law The Churchs role in shaping medieval law, including the development of canon law and the role of ecclesiastical courts.
Module #21 The Church and Social Welfare The Churchs role in providing charity and social welfare, including the development of hospitals and poor houses.
Module #22 The Church and Politics The Churchs involvement in medieval politics, including the role of bishops in royal government and the Churchs influence on policy-making.
Module #23 The Church and Reform Movements for reform within the Church, including the Cluniac reform and the Gregorian reform.
Module #24 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in The Role of the Church in Medieval Europe career
