Dissent and Persecution in the Middle Ages

Catalog description

This course examines the persecution of heretics, Jews, and Muslims in Medieval Christendom. It explores how Christian orthodoxy was defined and established, and how those who dissented were marginalized, persecuted, and tortured. Themes that we will address include penitential violence, the Holy Inquisition, medieval magic, witchcraft, and female spirituality. Students will have a clearer understanding of how sacred texts have been used to justify violence and oppression against the religious “other” throughout history, and how interpretation of these historical texts remains relevant in our modern and globalized society.