Instructor: Dr. Angel Rañales is Assistant Professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at USC Aiken. His research expertise focuses on medieval studies, with special attention to book history and visual culture. He teaches courses on Spanish language, culture, and literature. Description: This class offers a birds-eye view of life conditions in the Middle Ages in Europe. Normally associated with the Dark Ages, the medieval period witnessed extraordinary developments and unparallel breakthroughs that have transformed life and history. Topics include: responses to plagues and other natural disasters, establishment of printing presses and access to books, invention of military and recreational equipment, fashion and clothing revolution, and global trade and commerce. The main objective is to show, discuss, and learn that the stories and lessons from the past are still prevalent and impactful in our present.