| Unit name | Medieval Mystics and Visionaries in Medieval England |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30049 |
| 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 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, as part of a level 6/H unit, students will be expected to (5) display high level skills in evaluating, analysing, synthesising and (where apt) critiquing images and ideas.
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%).
Amy Hollywood, Patricia Z. Beckman, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Christian Mysticism (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012)
Anonymous, The Cloud of Unknowing and Other Works. Translated with an introduction and notes by A.C. Spearing (London: Penguin, 2001)
The Book of Margery Kempe (any edition). Walter Hilton, The Ladder of Perfection (any edition)
Richard Rolle, The Fire of Love. Penguin classics Translated into modern English with an introduction by Clifton Wolters (Harmondsworth: Penguin Books, 1972)
Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love: (short text and long text). Translated by Elizabeth Spearing ; with an introduction and notes by A. C. Spearing (London: Penguin, 1998)
