HIST 42.01 Gender and European Society from Antiquity to the Reformation
This course examines the roles of women and men in Western Europe from late Antiquity to the Reformation period. Emphasis will be placed on the intellectual and social strictures that had a long-term effect on the concept and role of gender in European society. Topics included are biological and mythological foundations of gender concepts; attitudes toward the body and sex in pre-Christian and Christian culture; sin and ecclesiastical legislation on sex and marriage; family life and education; the individual and kinship; heresy and charismatic religious movements; and the impact of social-economic development on gender in professional life. We will discuss the textual and visual sources for our inquiry, as well as the changing contemporary views on gender roles in pre-industrial Europe. Open to all classes. Not open to students who have previously taken HIST 42.
Cross Listed Courses
WGSS 22.01
Department-Specific Course Categories
Class of 2023 and Before Major/Minor Dist: EUR, pre-1700/pre-1800; Class of 2024 and Beyond Major/Minor Dist: EUR, premodern. Prior to Summer 2024, this course was numbered HIST 42.