Saints and Their Cults in Medieval Europe (U01485)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCL-3-SAINTS

The course investigates and explains the importance of the saints' cults in medieval Europe. It concentrates on social practices which were the most significant expression of the cult, in particular veneration of relics, images, and pilgrimages. The hagiography, one of the most popular medieval genres will be studied on the examples ranging from the early to the late middle ages in order to explore models of holiness in relation to the social roles (e.g. kings, bishops, monks), gender (women-saints) and politics (political martyrs). A broad range of beliefs and practices associated with the cult of saints will be explored on abroad range of literary sources, iconography and archaeological evidence.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A pass in any first level historical course and any second level historical course or equivalent. Visiting students should normally have 3 to 4 History courses at grade B or above.

Variants

? This course has variants for part year visiting students, as follows

Saints and Their Cults in Medieval Europe (VS1) (Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2))

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History, (School of History and Classics, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
22/09/2005	11:10	13:00			18 Buccleuch Place - Room 3.09

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Wednesday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course students should be familiar with a variety of expressions of the cult of saints and their significance for the wider historical process. They should develop the ability to integrate a variety of primary sources in the assessment of social and religious trends. The study of the hagiographic genre and the historiographic problems raised in its analysis will enhance necessary historical skills, particularly these related to the study of medieval history.