Magic in the Middle Ages

2021/2022

Учебный год

ENG

Обучение ведется на английском языке

3

Кредиты

Кто читает:

Школа философии и культурологии

Статус:

Курс по выбору

Когда читается:

2-й курс, 1-3 модуль

Course Syllabus

Abstract

Magical thought has always attracted human imagination. In this course we will introduce you to the Middle Ages through a wide conception of magic. Students will have an approach to medieval culture, beliefs and practices from the perspective of History and History of Science. Popular magic, as well as learned magic (alchemy, geomancy and necromancy) will be addressed. Moreover, we will also deal with how eastern practices and texts influenced western culture. In July 2016, the course will contain a brand-new module devoted to astrology. Magic in the Middle Ages offers a captivating overview of medieval society and promotes reflection about certain stereotypes associated with this period.

Learning Objectives

• In this course we will introduce you to the Middle Ages through a wide conception of magic.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• will be able to analyze historical documentation from the Middle Ages and recognize the most common patterns of juridical documents regarding witchcraft
• will be capable of distinguishing between popular magic and the magic of the learned people
• will have a notion of which spiritual practices were allowed in medieval Europe and which ones were related to the devil, and will be aware of the link between a cultural product and the society that produced it.
• will have overcome the usual prejudices about the Middle Ages

Course Contents

• Introduction to medieval magic
• Magic & Heresy
• Magic in Islam
• From Magic to Witchcraft
• Astrology & Geomancy

Assessment Elements

• Самостоятельная работа
• Экзамен в конце курса

Interim Assessment

• 2021/2022 3rd module
  0.7 * Самостоятельная работа + 0.3 * Экзамен в конце курса

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Zambelli, P. (2007). White Magic, Black Magic in the European Renaissance. Brill.

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• E. E. Evans-Pritchard. (1973). The intellectualist (English) interpretation of magic. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.95811B2
• Kieckhefer, R. (1994). The specific rationality of medieval magic. American Historical Review, 99(3), 813. https://doi.org/10.2307/2167771