History 691CS - S-Comparative Sanctities

This course will examine the cultural construction of sanctity. Although the focus will be on the premodern Christian west, we will also consider comparative examples, and students will be encouraged to read and present in their own areas of interest. Readings will include general works on religion and religious history as well as primary sources (in translation) and recent scholarship. Although historians of previous generations dismissed many aspects of the study of saints, recent work has shown that they are a rich source for cultural history. No background in medieval history is required. Topics and themes will include the creation and uses of holiness, changing scholarly approaches to issues of religious belief and practice, sanctity and gender, ritual hagiography, relics and pilgrimage.

Open to Doctoral and Masters History students only.