Medieval Christianity:
This course surveys the historical development of Christian doctrine, ecclesiastical organization, and religious practice between the fifth century and the fifteenth, with an emphasis on the interaction of religion, culture, politics, and society. Topics covered include the Christianization of Europe, monasticism, the liturgy, sacramental theology and practice, the Gregorian reform, religious architecture, the mendicant orders and the attack on heresy, lay devotions, the papal monarchy, schism and conciliarism, and the reform movements of the fifteenth century. 3 units. Same as L22 History 393.
Europe in the Age of the Reformation:
At the beginning of the sixteenth century, Europe was torn apart by the theological, social, and political upheaval created by Martin Luther's challenge to the Roman Catholic Church. We will examine the late medieval history of dissent and the social and religious environment that made the Reformation possible. We will also analyze the doctrines and the tactics of the principal branches of Protestantism and the Catholic Church's response, and the social and political impact of the Reformation. This course satisfies the pre-modern course requirement for the history major. PREREQ: SEE HISTORY HEADNOTE. 3 units. Same as home course L22 History 343C.
Freshman Seminar: Saints And Society:
The topic of this course is saints and society in medieval and early modern Europe. It will explore the complex relationships between exceptional holy men and women, the historical settings in which they lived, and the religious and cultural traditions on which they drew. It will consider saints as both embodiments of the highest ideals of their societies and radical challenges to ordinary patterns of social existence. We will test different approaches to the study of saints and sainthood, and see what the study of such exceptional individuals can tell us about social and cultural norms. Throughout, the relations of saints to society will be seen as a point at which social, intellectual, political, economic, and religious history meet. Readings will include primary sources (in English translation) and modern scholarship. 3 units. Same as home course L22 History 154.
Advanced Seminar: Women And Religion In Medieval Europe:
This course explores the religious experience of women in medieval Europe and attempts a gendered analysis of the Christian Middle Ages. In it, we will examine the religious experience of women in a variety of settings - from household to convent. In particular, we will try to understand how and why women came to assume public roles of unprecedented prominence in European religious culture between the twelfth century and the sixteenth, even though the institutional church barred them from the priesthood and religious precepts remained a principal source of the ideology of female inferiority. Readings will include modern studies of women and religion in medieval Europe, as well as medieval texts produced by, for, and about women. This course satisfies the pre-modern course requirement for history majors. ONLINE REGISTRATION UNAVAILABLE: STUDENTS MUST CONTACT COURSE INSTRUCTOR FOR PERMISSION TO ENROLL. PREREQ: SEE HISTORY HEADNOTE. 4 units. Same as home course L22 History 4993.
Historical Methods: Saints and Society:
This is a small-group reading course in which students are introduced to the skills essential to the historian's craft. Emphasis will be on acquiring research skills, learning to read historical works critically, and learning to use primary and secondary sources to make a persuasive and original argument. Required for history majors who have declared after 8/1/07. SECTION 1 IS CROSSLISTED WITH (L90 AFAS) ONLY and satisfies the modern course requirement for history majors. SECTION 2 IS CROSSLISTED WITH ( L23 RE ST) ONLY and satisfies the pre-modern course requirement for history majors. PREREQ: SEE HISTORY HEADNOTE. 3 units. Same as home course L22 History 301A.
SECT 02: SAINTS AND SOCIETY: The topic of this course is saints and society in medieval and early modern Europe. It will explore the complex relationships between exceptional holy men and women, the historical settings in which they lived, and the religious and cultural traditions on which they drew. It will consider saints as both embodiments of the highest ideals of their societies and radical challenges to ordinary patterns of social existence. We will test different approaches to the study of saints and sainthood, and see what the study of such exceptional individuals can tell us about social and cultural norms. Throughout, the relations of saints to society will be seen as a point at which social, intellectual, political, economic, and religious history meet. Readings will include both primary sources (in English translation) and modern scholarship. This course satisfies the pre-modern course requirement for history majors.
