| Unit name | Medieval Religion in Europe, 500-1500 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30058 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| 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 |
This unit will examine the role of religion as a major force in shaping the cultural identity of the people of the Middle Ages from 500 to 1500 in Western Europe. Lectures will examine key themes which will include: the cult of saints; the papacy; monastic and scholastic conceptions of the Bible; lay devotion; the role of the clergy in worship; concepts of war and peace; and the treatment of Jews. The unit complements other units offered on the Middle Ages at the first and second levels. It expands and delves into the primary literature which is alluded to in Years 1 and 2. In addition, it offers a comparative framework which enables students to develop hypotheses regarding similarities and differences found in Jewish and Buddhist religious thought.
The aims of the unit are to:
a) introduce students to the role of religion as a major force in shaping the cultural identity of the people of the Middle Ages from 500 to 1500 in Western Europe; b) explore the cult of saints; the papacy; monastic and scholastic conceptions of the Bible; lay devotion; the role of the clergy in worship; concepts of war and peace; and the treatment of Jews; c) develop hypotheses regarding similarities and differences found in Jewish and Buddhist religious thought.
On successful completion of this unit student will have a sound knowledge and critical understanding of the role of religion as a major force in shaping the cultural identity of the people of the Middle Ages from 500 to 1500 in Western Europe. Students will have further refined their skills in assessing, presenting, analysing and evaluating complex ideas and arguments, and in researching and writing essays.
1 x 1 hour lecture (shared with THRS 20071 - MEDIEVAL RELIGION IN EUROPE, 500-1500) and 1 x 1 hour seminar per week.
One summative coursework essay of 3000 words (50%) and one unseen examination of two hours comprising 2 questions out of 8 (50%). Both elements will assess knowledge and critical understanding of the role of religion as a major force in shaping the cultural identity of the people of the Middle Ages from 500 to 1500 in Western Europe; skills in assessing, presenting, analysing and evaluating complex ideas and arguments, and in researching and writing essays.
Miri Rubin, ed., Medieval Christianity in Practice. Princeton Readings in Religions (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2009)
R. N. Swanson, Religion and devotion in Europe, c. 1215 - c. 1515 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995). This text is essential.
