ATS4289 · Medieval dialogues: Reason, mysticism and society

Overview

This unit examines the intellectual interaction between Judaism, Christianity and Islam in the medieval period. Focusing mainly on the late twelfth and thirteenth century, the unit revolves around a central religious fault line of the era- reason and rationalism on the one hand, and the mystical quest on the other - and pursues a comparative analysis of the major figures from each of the traditions. Beginning with the rationalists, the course explores the thought of Ibn Rushd, Maimonides and Thomas Aquinas, before moving to a comparative examination of various mystics, such as - Bernard of Clairvaux, Bonaventure, the Zohar, Meister Eckhart, Ibn al-Arabi and Rumi.

Areas of study: History Religious studies

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Have an understanding of the major intellectual currents within Judaism, Christianity and Islam in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries
2. Have an understanding of the relationship between and mutual influences informing the various traditions
3. Understand the role of classical thinkers and writers on the varied traditions
4. Demonstrate familiarity with the major texts of the key religious figures of the period
5. Appreciate the exegetical horizons facing interpreters of scripture
6. Be able to engage in comparative analysis of philosophers and mystics from the different traditions
7. Have applied the reading and interpretative skills they have learned to unseen texts
8. Identify continuities and ruptures among the thinkers and writers examined

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.