This seminar explores the varieties of the religious experience in urban settings of Western Europe from 1100-1500.  Through close reading of primary texts and through critique of secondary studies, participants will discuss themes related to the tension between sanctity and heresy; religious patronage; and expression of religious devotion.

Grading and Professional Goals:
Grades will be based on all aspects of participation, including on how you critique others.  Critique = telling people what is satisfying about the argument (and why) and what is unsatisfying about the argument (and why).  If you do not express both, your critique is incomplete.

Part of every seminar is about learning the business of academe, therefore this seminar will help you
1.) prepare a publishable article
2.) give a conference paper and  participate in other aspects of a conference session (moderator and commentator)
3.) communicate with the public and how to handle media questions about the Middle Ages with integrity.  (Media requests come from out of the blue and you must be spontaneous; no time to prepare).
4.) how to include latest research findings in the classroom

Each venue expects a different level of discourse.  Recognize them, because you will not benefit from each of them unless you meet expectations of others.  And you can benefit from each venue.  Be able to assess each venue, wherever it is.
 

Assignments:
1. The preparation of one publishable article DUE April 26
2. The preparation and presentation of one conference paper  (20 minute paper)
(class conference on April 5)
3. One book review (1500 words) Due March 1
4. Regular and active participation in seminars including short oral presentations
5. One undergraduate module on medieval religious history. Due April 12
6. At some time during the semester, you will be asked in class to give SPONTANEOUSLY, a five minute interview for ìa newspaper reporterî on some given aspect of medieval culture.  Be a close observer of contemporary events to anticipate the kinds of issues media reporters may pick up on.
 

OPTIONAL: If anyone wants the opportunity to lecture in my Mysticism class, let me know early on in the semester.  I can offer a couple classes, if there is desire to practice.  One to two consultations with me before is required.  Afterward, I will write a letter for your file on your lecture.
 

Recommended Books:
Gabriel Audisio, The Waldensian Dissent.  Persecution and Survival, c. 1170-c. 1570

Herbert Grundmann, Religious Movements in the Middle Ages (Technically out of print, but still available at the ND Bookstore)

R. I. Moore, Formations of a Persecuting Society

R.N. Swanson, Religion and Devotion in Europe, c. 1215-c.1515

Jan. 19: Overview of Class and Presentation of Articles
Each participant is asked to bring in and present an admired and respected article or monograph, outlining the argument and sources used, and critiquing the work.

SEMINAR PART ONE: VITA APOSTOLICA
 Poverty as a Religious Ideal
 Lay Religiosity
 Popular Preaching

Jan. 26: The Sources for Medieval Urban Religious History
and the Major Themes Preaching, Poverty, and Gender in 12th century

(Feb. 2):  The Rise of Lay Preaching in the 12th century: Its Transformation and the Response

(Feb. 9): The Mendicant Orders and the New Threat of Heresy

(Feb. 16): Daniel Bornstein
Urban Monasticism

Attendance at Urban Space Seminar on Thursday, Feb. 17 Required

NO Class, Wednesday, Feb. 23

March 1:
Brief Presentations of Book Reviews (5-10 Minutes)
Can Women Preach?
 
 
 

March 8:
Gender and the Urban Religious Experience: Reassessing the Link Between Heterodoxy and Women

Preliminary Reports (5-10 minutes) on Research Projects
And Wrap up of Seminar Part One

March 15 Spring Break

March 22: Gender and the Urban Religious Experience, cont.: Beguines
 

March 23 Attendance and Urban Space Seminar is Required: Walter Simons on Beguines
 
 

SEMINAR PART TWO: RELIGIOUS PATRONAGE
 Protection of Heretics in Italian Cities
 Civic Preachers

March 29: Urban Protection of Heretics: The Fraticelli in Italy

April 5 Seminar Conference
each student presents 20 minute paper; each session will have a moderator and respondent

April 12:  Civic Promotion and Repression of Urban Preachers

April 19: Civic Sanctity

April 26 Articles Due; Brief Presentation of Research Projects
Please turn in enough copies of your article to distribute to each member of the seminar

May 3: Peer Review of Research Projects: Roundtable Discussion