History 434/WI
History of European Christianity in a World Context to 1500
Summer Session I 2000
10:30-11:45 a.m. M-F Webster 103
Egg of the Cosmos
Hildegard of Bingen, 12th century abbess, composer, visionary, and
philosopher
Dr. Karen Jolly
University of Hawai`i at Manoa
office: Sakamaki A408 956-7673
office hours: Tues and Thurs 1-2 p.m., Wed 2-3 p.m. or by appointment
kjolly@hawaii.edu
http://www2.hawaii.edu/~kjolly/434su00.htm
BOOKSGRADINGREADINGWRITINGABSENCES
COURSE
OUTLINE
Go to Medieval Main Page
OBJECTIVES:
The emphasis of this course is on the historical development of western
European Christianity within the context of world history. Although our
primary focus is the European cultural context for the religion, we will
examine it in relation to other cultures and traditions.
Two major thematic constructs govern the class:
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tradition and diversity interacting over time and across cultures,
explored in the primary source readings book
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prophecy and order as a creative tension in the development of European
Christianity, discussed in the Russell and Lumsden textbook
As an upper division, writing-intensive history course, this class seeks
to foster skills in historical analysis through reading, discussion, and
writing. Class meetings will focus on the discussion and analysis of the
primary source materials. The course uses writing as a tool for thinking
and treats writing as a process.
BOOKS
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textbook: Russell, Jeffrey B. and Douglas Lumsden, A History of Medieval
Christianity: Prophecy and Order, revised edition (2000).
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readings book: Jolly, Karen, ed., Tradition and Diversity: Christianity
in a World Context to 1500 (1997).
GRADING
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In-class participation (journal and discussion): 10%
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Five weekly thought papers (3-4 pages): 10% each
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Two synthesis papers (5-7 pages): 20% each
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papers should be double-spaced and typed
READING
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The Russell/Lumsden textbook is for background and reference. It should
be read in advance of each section, rather quickly. Then you can go back
later to check on particular items.
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The readings book assignments (Tradition and Diversity) are the
main staple of discussion each day and are the evidence on which you will
build your papers. Read them not for fine detail, but for an overall feel
of the text. Write your impressions in a journal and bring it to class
so that you have something ready to contribute.
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The World Wide Web provides additional primary sources as well as some
secondary materials that may help provide broader context. You may find
pictures that will add to your understanding of medieval Christianity.
Some general sites to explore:
- Local sites to explore:
WRITING
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Daily Journal: Keep a journal recording a brief response to each primary
source in the readings book. Please bring your journal to class as it will
form part of the discussion.
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Weekly thought papers: The five weekly thought papers will help you pull
together the previous week's materials and build analysis out of the primary
sources.
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Synthesis Papers: The two synthesis papers focus on analyzing the major
themes of the course, tradition and diversity in Synthesis Paper 1, prophecy
and order in Synthesis Paper 2.
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Writing Assistance
ABSENCES AND MAKE UP POLICY
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The six-week summer session is short and moves fast. Moreover, the class
is writing-intensive and discussion-oriented, so a good deal of the learning
takes place during class sessions in a way that cannot be duplicated afterward.
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If it appears that many members of the class are not prepared in the readings
(bringing journal responses to class), I will give surprise quizzes.
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If you are unexpectedly absent due to illness or a crisis, call or email
me and then see me as soon as possible to make up lost work.
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Late papers create chaos both for your schedule and mine. Consequently,
unless a documented excuse is presented, any late work will be docked 5
points per day.
COURSE OUTLINE
The Russell/Lumsden ch. numbers at the beginning of each new section refer
to the chapters in the book A History of Medieval Christianity.
Numbers and titles for each class day refer to the chapters in the readings
book, Tradition and Diversity.
Week 1: Foundations of Christianity c. 50-450
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Russell/Lumsden ch. 1-2
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5/22 Introductions: What is Christianity?
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5/23 1 Jew and Gentile: Early Origins of Christianity
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5/24 2 Christian and Roman: Conflict and Assimilation
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5/25 3 Heterodoxy and Orthodoxy: Defining Heresy
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5/26 4 Life and Death: The Body and Resurrection
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Weekly thought paper 1 due Tuesday, 5/30
Week 2: Patterns of Accommodation in Late Antiquity c. 350-750
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Russell/Lumsden ch. 3-4
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5/30 5 The Heritage of the Middle Ages
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5/31 6 The Power of Christian Saints: Monks, Relics, Icons
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6/1 7 Adaptations of Christianity Outside the Roman World
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6/2 8 Christian Acculturation in Western Europe
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Weekly thought paper 2 due Mon 6/5
Week 3: Christian Society in the Early Middle Ages c. 600-1050
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Russell/Lumsden ch. 5-6
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6/5 9 Christian Kingship and Society
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6/6 10 Christian Education and Theology
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6/7 11 Christian Practice and Literature
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6/8 12 Christian Diversity and Accommodation
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Weekly thought paper 3 due Friday 6/9
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6/9 Synthesis Paper 1 Workshop
Synthesis Paper 1 Question: Examine the issue of tradition and diversity
in Late Antique and early medieval Christianity: How and why does Christianity
both maintain its identity as a religious belief system and yet change
as it adapts to new cultural circumstances? due Tues 6/13
Week 4: The Spirit of Order and Prophecy c. 1050-1200
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Russell/Lumsden ch. 7-9
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6/13 13 Corporate and Individual Reform
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6/14 14 Christians, Muslims, and Jews: Views of the Crusades
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6/15 15 Ways of Knowing: Faith and Reason
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6/16 16 Individual Diversity: Bernard and Hildegard
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Weekly thought paper 4 due Mon 6/19
Week 5: New Paths of Order and Prophecy c. 1200-1300
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Russell/Lumsden ch. 10-11
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6/19 17 Orthodox Reform: Popes, Mendicants, and Scholars
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6/20 18 Over the Line: Heretics, Inquisitors, Radicals
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6/21 19 Popular Religion: Story and Poetry
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6/22 20 Cross Cultural Exchange: Missions and Dialogue
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Weekly thought paper 5 due Fri 6/23
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6/23 Synthesis Paper 2 Workshop
Synthesis Paper 2 Question: Examine the dynamic and creative tension
between the spirit of prophecy and the spirit of order in medieval European
Christianity. How is diversity of religious experience expressed in relation
to the need for order and reform in society? How are religious identities
created and maintained in an increasingly diverse world? due 6/30
Week 6: Change and Contact in the Late Middle Ages c. 1300-1500
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Russell/Lumsden ch. 12
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6/26 21 Dissent and Reform in Late Medieval Christendom
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6/27 22 Diversity in Christianity: Late Medieval Spirituality
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6/28 23 Religious Expression: Ritual, Drama, and Story
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6/29 24 Cross-cultural Contact
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6/30 movie and party day