The pre-renaissance Renaissance:Byzantine Culture from the 9th to the 15th century

Pre-requisites: Enrollment in a master program in history studies, or appropriate year of studies in another program which offers this as an elective course.

Course objectives: Examining the spiritual development of the byzantine empire - its culture and theoretical battles on the linear and cyclical development of society in history.

Course description: This course charts the development of byzantine culture and englightenment after the so-called dark ages in byzantine history(7th and 8th century). We will examine topics that address the re-emergence of ancient values, traditions and ways of thinking, whether it pertains to literature, material culture or art, so that students will gain an idea of the continuous renewal of byzantine culture and its constant re-examination.

Learning Outcomes: A better understanding of byzantine culture and its multiple connections to ancient traditions and a new, christian faith.

Literature/Reading:

• Oksfordska istorija Vizantije, ur. S. Mango
• P. lemerle, Le premier humanisme byzantin, Paris 1971
• V. Stanković, Carigradski patrijarsi i carevi Makedonske dinastije, Beograd 2003.
• V. Stanković, Komnini u Carigradu (1057-1185). Evolucija jedne vladarske porodice, Beograd 2006.
• V. Stanković, Tropeoforos kod Mihaila Psela. Jedan primer političke upotrebe retorike. Zbornik radova Vizantološkog insituta 41 (2004) 133-148.
• J. Ljubarskij, Mihail Psell. Ličnost i tvorčestvo, Moskva 1973.
• V. Stanković, Putovanja kroz Vizantiju, Beograd 2016.