During the Middle Ages, the city was a constantly evolving
construct.  Late antique and early medieval cities often
reflected their roots in the cities of the Greeks and Romans,
with their regular streets, large central public areas, and
pronounced civic and religious axis.  With the invasions of
migratory tribes and the flight of their inhabitants, cities were
left to decay.  Medieval cities founded after this shift reflect
the changed nexus of power, the need for military protection, the
dominance of Christianity and its institutions, and the physical
demands of a market economy.  This course will examine the
physical and artistic embodiment of the medieval city in both
East and West from the Late Antique period through the late
middle ages.  Walls and castles, churches and monasteries,
hospitals and cemeteries, homes and public buildings, and
artworks will be surveyed, along with the city plans that
provided the framework for experiencing life in an urban setting.
Issues such as disease, the growth of the university, and the
position of women and persecuted minorities will also be
investigated.  Students will have the opportunity to investigate
aspects of an historical city and present their findings in
class.  Other class requirements will include mid-term and final
exams and a research paper.