gb - Englisches Seminar - Ruhr-Universität Bochum

CULTURAL STUDIES (GB)
Vorlesung
--- --- Houwen
Windows on the Medieval and Renaissance World, 2 CP
2 st. do 10-12 HGB 10
(vgl. Vorl.-Nr. 050 619)
Description: Despite the fact that many familiar institutions and aspects of modern
society (e.g. the universities) have their roots in the Middle Ages and medieval
culture, it would be a mistake to think that the Middle Ages and medieval life can be
understood on the basis of medieval literature alone. This course aims to place this
literature in a much broader framework and shall pay ample attention to what is
generally known as the “medieval world view”, even if using this concept in the
singular is a bit of a misnomer. This world view is dramatically different from our
modern one in that it is a closed system in which everything was thought to hang
together and its impact was felt until well into the Renaissance. Audio-visual material
will form a central element in the lectures.
Aim: No single course can ever hope to do justice to the complexities of this system,
but this series of lectures will touch upon some of the most important aspects of
medieval science, philosophy, theology and culture. It will consider such diverse
issues as the classical heritage, medieval cosmology, philosophy and the seven
liberal arts, the hierarchy of nature, man and his view of history (the ages of man,
universal history, salvation history, myth and legend), and medieval maps and travel.
Procedure: Lectures which rely heavily on PowerPoint presentations.
Assessment: The course will be rounded off with a written exam.
Set text: Some secondary reading is required; this will be made available via
Blackboard.