Introduction to the Byzantine World

Teacher(s)

Coulie Bernard;

Language

French
> English-friendly

Main themes

A historical and cultural introduction to the Byzantine world, from the foundation of Constantinople. The course deals with the main steps of the Byzantine millenium (IVth C. - 1453), focusing on the key-periods and dynasties, territorial evolution, etc

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	distinguish the main guidelines of Byzantine history and civilisation;
2	identify the characteristics of the Byzantine world;
3	use the main bibliographical tools.

Content

The course is devoted to the period from the foundation to the fall of Constantinople (330-1453): the main period of the Byzantine history, the role of the emperors, the structures of the Byzantine Empire, some main cultural and artistic productions (architecture, art, literature).
The course also presents the main useful bibiographical references.

Teaching methods

Lectures are accompanied by ppt presentations.

Evaluation methods

For the exam, the student will write a short essay summarizing the course, in which he will highlight what are, according to him, the main characteristics of the Byzantine world, based on the classes and the suggested readings.
The student can aks questions to the teacher at any classses in order to prepare his essay.
The written essay will be orally defended during the exam session. 
Split of the points: written essay 75%; oral presentation 25%.
Characteristics of the written essay: maximum 3 pages, in French, Dutch, English, German or Italian.The essay will be posted in pdf format on the Moodle site of the cours; the deadline will be announced in class. The essay will be submitted to a plagiarism analysis.

Online resources

Documents will be made progressively available (bibliography, lecture plans, documentation) on the Moodle space of the course.

Bibliography

Une bibliographie sélective est donnée au cours.

Faculty or entity

EHAC