HIST 337(F) Medieval European Mysticism (Same as Religion 215)

A rich mystical tradition flourished in medieval Europe in both the Christian and Jewish realms. Most of the mystical texts created in this period can be characterized by one or more of the following three approaches to mystical union with God: disciplined attention to the divine through contemplation, theological speculation about the relationship between the soul and God, and the use of erotic imagery to experience the mystical relationship as a spiritual love affair. In this course we will examine some of the classic mystical texts of the period-both Orthodox and heretical in the case of Christian texts-following a topical organization. In addition to decoding the difficult language of this writing and placing it in its secular and religious historical context, we will consider particularly the role of gender in the mystical experience and the very different circumstances under which Christian and Jewish mystics operated. Class format: reading and discussion. Evaluation will be based on class participation, three short analytical papers, and a final exam. Groups B and D

Hour: KLEPPER