On the History of the Middle Ages

Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace in Split, early 4th century AD (cropped) [1]

After a long pause, I retake my blog publications with a great deal of enthusiasm.

In this post I wish to revisit the subject of students' many gaps in their preparation for Art History courses. This does not mean I wish to debate the issue, nothing further from my mind. Lack of background preparation, especially in the Liberal Arts area, is a fact but debating the issue and its possible solution(s) are questions that escape my competence. What I propose to do is, simply, to share a find that may help fill up a specific void.

While perusing the material available in iTunes U, I found:  

Professor’s Paul H. Freedman survey course on the Early Middle Ages

This series is part of the Open Yale Courses offered online, which provide a selection of introductory material in different fields of study (Open Yale Courses).

As it is stated in its presentation, the course reviews 

Major developments in the political, social, and religious history of Western Europe from the accession of Diocletian to the feudal transformation. Topics include the conversion of Europe to Christianity, the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of Islam and the Arabs, the "Dark Ages," Charlemagne and the Carolingian renaissance, and the Viking and Hungarian invasions.                  (In http://oyc.yale.edu/history/hist-210, consulted 4/9/2015)

The material presented is important for those interested in acquiring some knowledge of the period. As well, it is useful for those interested in or studying the art and architecture of the epoch and who are inspired to achieve a better understanding of the subject. 

I find Professor Freedman's lectures engaging. His teaching style is somewhat traditional, or should I say *formal*. Whereas I am inclined toward a more interactive method; he, definitely, lectures. However, this does not detract in any way from the interesting and solid content of his presentations.

The course is also available through the iTunes Store and You Tube.

To those who venture into this very interesting Early Middle Ages journey: enjoy!

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[1] In http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peristyle_of_Diocletian's_Palace_in_Split_(cropped).jpg, consulted 4/9/2015. According to Wikimedia Commons: "This scan or this PDF-file was created within the Austrian Wikipedia-project Denkmalpflege Österreich (German only) supported by Wikimedia Germany and Wikimedia Austria as part of the Wikipedia community-project to collect public domain documents from the library of the Heritage Monuments Board of Austria.

This document describes or depicts an object which is located in Croatia today. Texts are written in German language."

Furthermore, "This work is in the public domain in the United States, and those countries with a copyright term of life of the author plus 100 years or less., and, This file has been identified as being free of known restrictions under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights."