RLT4810

A history of popular Christianity from the beginnings to the Enlightenment

(ART)

Peter Howard

12 points + 2-hour seminar per week + Second semester + Clayton

Synopsis: Assumptions about Catholic culture informing contemporary understandings of Europe. The role of history-writing in the development of an identifiably Christian culture. The boundaries between magic, superstition, and orthodox religion. The meaning of martyrdom, the cult of the saints, shrines, and pilgrimage. The relationship between institutional religion and popular piety, high culture and popular expressions of devotion. The function of preaching and education by friars in local contexts. The extent to which specifically Christian teachings shaped the cultural milieu of early modern Europe.

Assessment: Research essay (7000 words): 60% + Examination (2 hours): 40%