| Unit name | Sisters, Saints and Sinners: Women and the Medieval Church |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30076 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Muessig |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The place of women in the ecclesiastical structure of the medieval Church and in religious society was multifaceted and at times provided women with positions of unprecedented authority. This unit will examine and assess the role of medieval women as teachers, preachers, holy leaders and as heretics. Individuals and themes to be considered include: authority, transgression, Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Marguerite Porete and Joan of Arc.
Aims:
By the end of the unit students will have:
(1) Acquired a clear understanding of the varied role of women in the medieval Church.
(2) Acquired the knowledge and skill to access critically a wide range of arguments advanced by historians and theologians relating to women in the Church.
(3) Acquired skills through essay writing and examination, in presenting, analysing and evaluating complex ideas and arguments.
Students will also be expected to show:
(4) Skills in critical thinking and in written communication appropriate to level H.
Seminars - 3 hours per week
One summative coursework essay of 3000 words (50%) and one unseen examination of two hours comprising 2 questions out of 6 (50%). Both elements will assess ILOs (1) (2) (3). The coursework essay in particular will offer students the opportunity to demonstrate ILO (4).
