On Wednesday afternoons in January and February 2018, I will be teaching an eight week history course about Family Life from Medieval to Modern Times.
Course Description:
Our views on marriage and childrearing would seem very strange to families of past centuries. We’ll see the influence of romanticism on the current understanding of family life, the changing role of grandparents in relation to family traditions, and the emergence of a distinct children’s culture including the birth of children’s literature, due in part to the expansion of formal education. Join us for a look at marriage and parenting customs and advice through the centuries, and the surprising influence of history on family life today.
Learning Outcomes:
Discover the impact of politics, religion and popular culture on family life over the centuries.
Trace changes in the definition of the ideal marriage and family over time.
Learn about the role of women within the family from medieval times to the present day.
Measure the influence of religious leaders, philosophers and royalty on marriage and parenting trends.
Realize how historical trends continue to influence family life today.