| Unit name | Medieval Mystics and Visionaries in Medieval England |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRSM0100 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Muessig |
| Open unit status | Open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit will focus on the mystical tradition that flourished in England in the late Middle Ages. In our examination of mysticism we will consider its historical context, questions of gender, and the differences, if any, between theology and mysticism. Students will be encouraged to read the various mystical texts in their original Middle English in order to examine how the nuance of language shapes the contours of theological concepts and expression.
On successful completion of this unit students will have
(1) developed a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of medieval mystics, visionaries and mysticism in England; (2) in-depth understanding of the historical and theological contexts informing the role of mystics and visionaries; (3) demonstrated the ability to analyse and evaluate competing perceptions of medieval mysticism; (4) demonstrated the ability to identify and evaluate pertinent evidence/data in order to illustrate/demonstrate a cogent argument.
Additionally (specific to level M), students will be expected to (5) display high level skills in evaluating, analysing, synthesising and (where apt) critiquing images and ideas. (6) apply existing analytical strategies to new evidence with flexibility and creativity (7) demonstrate the capacity for independent research
1 x 3 hour seminar per week
One summative essay of 5000 words Measures ILOs 1-7
Cloud of Unknowing, (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1961)
The Cambridge companion to medieval English mysticism [electronic resource]. Edited by Samuel Fanous and Vincent Gillespie.Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2011.
Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Love, trans. C. Wolters, (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1996). BV4831 JUL
Walter Hilton, The Ladder of Perfection, (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1957).
Margery Kempe, The Book of Margery Kempe, trans. B. Windeatt, (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1985).
Richard Rolle, The Fire Of Love, trans. C. Wolters, (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1972) BV4817 ROL
