Stories We Tell Course Pairing
Encountering the Past: A People's History of the Medieval Church (HS 100)
This course sets out to introduce students to some of the methods used by historians, while bearing in mind that historical knowledge is provisional and complex. Along the way, students will develop the skills necessary for understanding and producing histories, which include the critical evaluation of sources and the ability to write cogently and persuasively about events in the past. Finally, this course also asks students to think about why the study of history is important to our lives today. Indeed, our introduction to the discipline of history takes aim at answering a deceptively simple question: why does history matter? Common misconceptions about the European Middle Ages include stereotypes like “the Church controlled everything” or “Medieval people were ignorant and superstitious.” While “the Church” exercised significant political, cultural, economic, intellectual, and social influences during the Middle Ages, it was far from a unified, all-powerful institution. The people who comprised the Church brought a range of different ideas, beliefs, practices, and agendas to the table. This course will explore the ways in which the beliefs, practices, and institutions of the medieval Church shaped and were shaped by society. And we’ll examine some of the ways in which historians have challenged assumptions or misconceptions about this vital aspect of medieval history.
Faculty Biography
Dr. Brandon Parlopiano grew up in a small town outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania. He received his B.S. from the University of Scranton, and then traveled down to Washington, D.C. to receive a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies from the Catholic University of America. He currently lives in Silver Spring, Maryland and has been teaching at Loyola since 2013. His main scholarly interests include disability, marginality, and medieval law. His free-time is spent bowling, building Lego sets, and playing various Super Mario games with his eight-year-old.
Foundations of Philosophy (PL 201)
This semester-long course is designed to bring the ideas and writings from the Ancient Greek philosophers to students through conversation and in-depth discussions. The class will explore and come to understand Sophocles, Socrates, and Plato's ideas of Justice, as well as Aristotle's theories of virtue and political excellence.
Faculty Biography
Professor Nina Guise-Gerrity is in her 22nd year at Loyola University, where she teaches Ancient Greek and Political and economic Philosophy. Her classes offer students a chance to engage with texts and apply the ideas learned practically in the community while they volunteer. In addition to instruction, Guise-Gerrity mentors interns and coaches students from various disciplines.
Mentor Biography
Garry Schmitt moved to Maryland and joined Loyola in 2018 having departed from his former role in Hospitality Administration with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. Garry has a diverse educational background, having served in both K-12 as well as higher education roles with over 10 years of experience. Garry finds true joy when having authentic conversations and empowering students to pursue their identity and passions. Bring on the Jesuit value of cura personalis! Originally from Berlin, CT, Garry completed his B.A. in Psychology from fellow Jesuit institution, College of the Holy Cross, and his M.Ed. degree in Higher Education Administration from Post University. In his free time, Garry enjoys leadership, news, & identity podcasts, games with friends, and spending time with his Wife, Steph, and his Chihuahua, Luke.
Virtual Advisor
HS 100 satisfies the History core requirement for all students. PL 201 satisfies the Philosophy core requirement for all students.
