Medieval English Mystics

Catalog description

Taught by GTU, Using the lens of "challenges and gifts," this seminar-style course will engage in an in-depth study of five fourteenth-century English mystics: Richard Rolle, the author of the Cloud of Unknowing, Walter Hilton, Julian of Norwich, and Margery Kempe. Together we will seek to understand the spiritualities of these writers within their historical contexts, including some elements of their lives and writing that make us uncomfortable or challenge us as 21st century readers. We will also explore the gifts these writers might offer to our own spiritualities today. Course materials will include an anthology of primary sources, podcasts, websites, and articles. Evaluation will be based on class participation, short reflection papers, a short research paper, and a group project leading the class in a spiritual exercise.