HIS 244 Medieval Justice

How did people in the Middle Ages define crime? What about sin? This course explores how communities in medieval Europe defined and responded to deviant behavior. From the personality of the law in early ‘barbarian kingdoms’ through the rediscovery of Roman law and codification of canon law, students will have the opportunity to explore the intricacies and contradictions of overlapping medieval legal systems that were, in the words of James Brundage, "all nestled cheek by jowl with each other". Through examining legal culture, both through law codes and records of practice, students will gain a better understanding of medieval culture, including, but not limited to, ideas about gender, sexuality, religious difference, social class, state power vs. local custom, and religious vs. secular authority. Particularly important will be the themes of honor and shame, feud and reconciliation, and as well as the many forms of medieval confession in sacred and secular contexts. Western History Perspective. Noncredit for students who completed HIS 286 Medieval Justice.