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HIS 402: The Black Death

The cause for the demise of approximately a third to a half of the total European population within a few short years, the Black Death has elicited a morbid fascination on the part of scholars for the last century. The occurrence of this natural disaster can be seen as the turning point in European history because, in many ways, politics, economics, social relations and religious beliefs and practices were all affected and transformed. In this course, we will investigate the status of Europe just prior to the arrival of the Black Death, the course of the pestilence itself, and, most importantly, the effects of the Black Death and its recurring waves over the next hundred and fifty years. In addition to examining economics, politics, social realities and religion, topics will cover art and literature.

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