JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY COURSE CODE: "RL 225" COURSE NAME: "Mystics, Saints, and Sinners: Studies in Medieval Catholic Culture" SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2018

SYLLABUS INSTRUCTOR: Erik Walters EMAIL: [email protected] HOURS: M9:15 AM 12:00 PM TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45 CREDITS: 3 PREREQUISITES: Partially on-site; activity fee: €30 or $35 OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Through a close study of both primary and secondary materials in theology, spirituality, aesthetics, and social history, this course will introduce students to the major forms and institutions of religious thought and practice in medieval, Christian Europe (from Saint Augustine to the rise of humanism). The course will begin by studying the theological foundations of self and world in the work of Augustine and Pseudo-Dionysius, before turning to an elucidation of central religious institutions such as the papacy (and its relationship to imperial Rome), the monastery (we will study the rule of Saint Benedict and visit a Benedictine monastery), the cathedral (we will visit San Giovanni in Laterano and Saint Peter’s), and the  university (and the scholastic philosophy to which it gave rise).  We will then turn to alternative expressions of medieval religious faith in the work of several mystics, notably Meister Eckhart and Angela of Foligno.  Finally we will study the reactions of the Church to the rise of science in the fifteenth century (we will look at the trial of Giordano Bruno) and will end with an appraisal of the continuity and renewal of Renaissance Humanism and its influence on the humanities as studied in a Liberal Arts Curriculum today.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT: The course will introduce students to the religious ideas and practices, philosophical and theological developments, and institutional changes and controversies that underlie the evolution and establishment of the Christian culture in Mediaeval Europe. Readings and analyses of New Testament sources in translation will serve as a comparative framework for understanding the development of Scholasticism, the highest intellectual expression of Mediaeval economic, legal, philosophical, religious, sociological, and theological thought. The course will lead students through the historical origins of the papal institution (and the political implications of its spiritual and temporal authority), and the rise and establishment of monasticism and universities, where scholastic culture was developed. N.B. - This course includes several site visits that will compliment readings and class discussions, which will delve DEEPLY into philosophical, religious, and theological ideas and debates of the historical period in question.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Study of primary New Testament texts in translation will make students acquainted with the most significant philosophical questions produced by the Scholastic culture in the writings of prominent early and medieval Christian thinkers. Students will also develop an understanding of the development and establishment of the papacy, the monastic culture and institutional innovations, such as financial, governmental, religious, and university institutions. Writing skills will also be improved by reflection and discussion upon deeply philosophical, religious, and theological questions. Students will learn not only about the historical period in question, but how the period came into and eventually went out of existence as part of human civilization's historical progression.

TEXTBOOK: NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING: NONE RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING: NONE

GRADING POLICY -ASSESSMENT METHODS: Assignment Guidelines Weight Research Project One Research Project One will test students' research and note-taking skills through an analysis of assigned readings and class lecture notes. The project is divided into two parts: 1) questions to be answered directly from the selected required readings handed out in class (New Testament selected readings). Students must cite the chapter & verse number from which they are providing answers; 2) questions to be answered from class lecture notes including on-site visits. This assignment is worth 25% of the final course grade. Projects are to be type-written in Times New Roman 12 point font, single-spaced, with fully justified margins, and stapled. Errors in grammar, punctuation, syntax, diction, composition, and formatting will be deducted for a total of 15 points out of 100. Student names are to appear nowhere on the written project. Rather, students will submit written projects using their JCU ID number. This process is to ensure transparency and impartiality in evaluating and grading written projects. Projects are due in class at the beginning of the eighth class lecture period at 08:30am on Monday, 22 October 2018. Late, emailed, and hand-written projects will not be accepted and will result in a failing grade for the assignment. In case of legitimate and documented emergency situations communicated directly to the course instructor from JCU's Academic Dean's office, late submissions will be accepted within 48 hours beyond the published deadline and will result in one full letter grade deduction beyond the actual grade awarded for the project. NO "EASY A's"!!! 25% Project Presentation Each student will select one topic from a list of topics in class on Monday, 22 October 2018, which will accompany the "Research Project One" and present a research project in class on Monday, 26 November 2018. Presentations are to be approximately 5 minutes. Presentations will address the following regarding the selected topic in question: 1) Historical and geographical contextualization of the selected topic (When and where?); 2) Biographical overview of the topic (Who?); 3) Three major issues, contributions, and/or controversies surrounding this topic (What?); 4) Reasons this topic is considered to be important during or after his or her lifetime (How?); 5) What, if any, relevance does this figure have today? (Why?) Presentations will be evaluated on the quality of the research itself as communicated in the oral presentation as well as the quality of public speaking and communication skills. Project presentations must use some form of visual/audio media (PowerPoint, etc.). Project presentations MAY NOT BE PRESENTED ON ANY OTHER DAY. If a student is unable to present, then a grade of 59% "F" will be awarded. PERIOD. NO "EASY A's"!!! 25% Research Project Two Research Project Two will test students' critical thinking skills through an analysis and synthesis of class lecture notes and on-site visits. The assignment is divided into several questions, each of which is worth ten points. This project is worth 25% of the course grade. Projects are to be type-written in Times New Roman 12 point font, single-spaced, with fully justified margins, and stapled. Errors in grammar, punctuation, syntax, diction, composition, and formatting will be deducted for a total of 15 points out of 100. Student names are to appear nowhere on the written project. Rather, students will submit written projects using their JCU ID number. This process is to ensure transparency and impartiality in evaluating and grading written projects. Projects are due in the examination room by the end of the exam period on the date assigned to be determined by the registrar's office during the semester in progress. Late, emailed, and hand-written projects will not be accepted and will result in a failing grade for the assignment. NO "EASY A's"!!! 25% Class participation and site visits This course is "partially" on-site. Half of all 14 course lecture sessions are on-site. Class attendance is mandatory as is active participation in class lectures and on site visits of the following 5 venues: 1) ancient Roman imperial necropolis in Vaticano beneath St. Peter's Basilica ("scavi") and the Basilica of St. Peter itself; 2) 1st century Domus, 2nd-3rd century Mithraeum, and 4th century basilica all beneath the 11th-12th century church of Saint Clement; and the nearby 13th century chapel of Saint Sylvester at Santi Quattro Coronati; the 2nd-3rd cent. Domus of Saints John and Paul "in Coelio"; 3) 2nd-3rd century catacombs, 4th century Constantinian basilica, 4th century mausoleum of Princess Constance, and 7th century church of St. Agnes in Via Nomentana; 4) 12th-13th century church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, the 14th century palace of the Porcari family, the nearby 2nd century Pantheon, and the 4th century Basilica of Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill; 5) the Vatican Museums including "early entry" into the Sistine Chapel. One absence (including "emergency situations") will result automatically in a grade of 94% "A" for this assessment method/assignment. Two absences (including "emergency situations") will result automatically in a grade of 84% "B" for this assessment method/assignment. Three absences (including "emergency situations") will result automatically in a grade of 74% "C" for this assessment method/assignment. Four absences (including "emergency situations") will result in a grade of 69% "D" for this assessment method/assignment. Five or more absences (including "emergency situations") will result in a grade of 59% "F" for this assessment method/assignment. Compliance with these guidelines gets you that "guaranteed C" if not that "EASY A" for this assignment. (N.B. - "Emergency situations", which do not include "permit of stay" appointments, are legitimately documented instances communicated by JCU's Academic Dean's Office directly to the course instructor via email). 25% -ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: A Excellent. Highly competent work of this quality directly and completely addresses the questions and issues raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information and content. This type of work demonstrates a thorough analysis and synthesis of material and a capacity for critical thinking. (94-100% A; 90-93% A-) B Above Average to Very Good. This is a competent level of performance and directly addresses the questions and issues raised. There is demonstration of some ability to analyze and synthesize coherently the material and to think critically. The work does not suffer from major errors, omissions, imprecisions, and/or inaccuracies. (87-89% B+; 84-86% B; 80-83% B-) C Average to Good. This is an acceptable level of performance and demonstrates work that is clear but limited with errors, omissions, imprecisions, inaccuracies, and/or a basic anaylisis and synthesis of the material and the process of critical thinking. (77-79% C+; 74-76% C; 70-73% C-) D Below Average to Unsatisfactory. This is an unacceptable level of performance and demonstrates work that is replete with errors, omissions, imprecisions, inaccuracies and/or a coherent grasp of the material. Important information is omitted and irrelevant information is included. (60-69% D) F Failure. This work demonstrates little to no engagement with the material. The work is irrelevant, incomprehensible, incomplete, or is the result of unsubmitted and/or penalized assignments. (0-59% F) -ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: This course is "partially" on-site. Half of all 14 course lecture sessions are on-site. Class attendance is mandatory as is active participation in class lectures and on site visits of the following 5 venues: 1) ancient Roman imperial necropolis in Vaticano beneath St. Peter's Basilica ("scavi") and the Basilica of St. Peter itself; 2) 1st century Domus, 2nd-3rd century Mithraeum, and 4th century basilica all beneath the 11th-12th century church of Saint Clement; and the nearby 13th century chapel of Saint Sylvester at Santi Quattro Coronati; the 2nd-3rd cent. Domus of Saints John and Paul "in Coelio"; 3) 2nd-3rd century catacombs, 4th century Constantinian basilica, 4th century mausoleum of Princess Constance, and 7th century church of St. Agnes in Via Nomentana; 4) 12th-13th century church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, the 14th century palace of the Porcari family, the nearby 2nd century Pantheon, and the 4th century Basilica of Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill; 5) the Vatican Museums including "early entry" into the Sistine Chapel. One absence will result automatically in a grade of 94% "A" for this assessment method/assignment (including "emergency situations"). Two absences will result automatically in a grade of 84% "B" for this assessment method/assignment (including "emergency situations"). Three absences will result automatically in a grade of 75% "C" for this assessment method/assignment (including "emergency situations"). Four absences (including "emergency situations") will result in a grade of 69% "D" for this assessment method/assignment. Five or more absences (including "emergency situations") will result in a grade of 59% "F" for this assessment method/assignment. Compliance with these guidelines gets you that "guaranteed C" if not that "EASY A" for this assignment. (N.B. - "Emergency situations", which do not include "permit of stay" appointments, are legitimately documented cases communicated directly by JCU's Academic Dean's Office to the course instructor via email).

ACADEMIC HONESTY As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Session Session Focus Reading Assignment Other Assignment Meeting Place/Exam Dates WEEK 1 Monday 03 September Introduction to the Course: Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why? Overview: Course prospectus, syllabus, schedule and expectations. Who are “We”? Why study “Religion”, “History”, the “Catholic Church”, and the "Middle" Ages? What are "mystics", "saints", and "sinners" in Christianity and "Medieval" Catholic culture? Syllabus IN AULA   WEEK 2 Monday 10 September SEMIOTICS and PARADIGMS: How do human societies form? How do basic needs and wants take on religious symbolism, significance, and systems? HERMENEUTICS: Methodologies for studying objects of inquiry: philology, epistemology, metaphysics, history, and culture. PONTIFEX MAXIMUS and IMPERATOR: “Building Bridges”: The world’s oldest, continuously surviving, and most important title and office (8th century BCE – 1st century CE). Ancient “Eternal” Rome: from the Roman monarchy, through the Republican SPQR, to the Imperial Period; Roman Law and Religion. Previous Lecture Material IN AULA   WEEK 3 Monday 17 September SITE VISIT ONE: Saint Agnes "outside the Walls": second and third century catacombs; fourth century Constantinian basilica; fourth century mausoleum of Princess Constance; seventh century church of Saint Agnes (Rome’s FIRST medieval church). Previous Lecture Material IN SITU Meeting Point and Time: in front of Santa Maria degli Angeli Church in Piazza della Repubblica at 09:00 AM SHARP! WEEK 4 Monday 24 September CHRIST, ROCK, and VICAR: The world’s second oldest, continuously surviving, and most important title and office (2nd century BCE – 1st century CE). Ancient “Roman” Jerusalem: Mosaic Law; the “Sanhedrin”; "Church", "Peter", and “Christ” in the Christian New Testament. The Fifth Gospel: “Incarnation & Resurrection”: Religion’s Astrological and Astronomical origins, and humanity’s most examined human artifact. Othonia, Sudarion, and Sindon: did Jesus “of Nazareth” or Jesus “Christ” exist? Previous Lecture Material • 1 Cor 15, 1-14; Mt 16, 13-20; Mt 27, 57-61; Jn 20,1-10; Jn 20,30-31; Jn 21,24-25 IN AULA   WEEK 5 Monday 01 October DARK AGES (4th – 9th centuries CE): The metamorphosis of Ancient Rome into Christendom. The Islamic Caliphate vs. the “Barbarians” vs. the Merovingians and Carolingians; the birth of the “Holy Roman Empire” and the “Papal States”; monasticism and the “schola”. Previous Lecture Material IN AULA   WEEK 6 Monday 08 October SITE VISIT TWO: Saint Clement: first century domus; second-third century mithraeum; fourth century Constantinian basilica; eleventh-twelfth century church of Saint Clement; ninth century church and monastery of Santi Quattro Coronati: Chapel of Saint Sylvester. Previous Lecture Material IN SITU Meeting Point and Time: "Colosseo" Metro stop "B" at 09:00 AM SHARP! WEEK 7 Monday 15 October Research Project One: Four weeks in addition to exam time is afforded to the completion of this assignment (25% or course grade), which is due at the beginning of the next class lecture on Monday, 22 October 2018. MID-TERM EXAM DOMICILIO   WEEK 8 Monday 22 October MEDIEVAL DEBATE ONE: "De Iure Pontificio vs. De Iure Divino": the feudal system and lay investiture; the "Dictatus Papae", the "Magna Charta", and the "Unam Sanctam".   IN AULA Research Project One DUE! WEEK 9 Monday 29 October MEDIEVAL DEBATE TWO: "The Buying and Selling of Indulgences": the cult of martyrs, saints, and relics; the sacrament of "Confession, Penance, and Reconciliation"; the Jubilee of 1300, the Proto-Reformers, and the Proto-Rinascimento. Previous Lecture Material IN AULA   WEEK 10 Monday 05 November MEDIEVAL DEBATE THREE: "Fides vs. Ratio": the medieval university and the office of the "Inquisition"; the "Crusades"; the ancients' "Cosmological" argument; Anselm's "Ontological" argument; Aquinas' "Five Ways". Previous Lecture Material IN AULA   WEEK 11 Monday 12 November SITE VISIT THREE: the Cappuchin Friars "Bone Church" and Saint Sabina on the Aventine Hill. Previous Lecture Material IN SITU Meeting Point and Time: Piazza Barberini at 09:00 AM SHARP! WEEK 12 Monday 19 November SITE VISIT FOUR: the Vatican Museums including the Medieval Apostolic Palace (Rooms of Raffaello) and the Medieval Sistine Chapel (Michelangelo's Ceiling and "Last Judgment" scene). Previous Lecture Material IN SITU Meeting Point and Time: Vatican Museums entrance in Viale Vaticano at 08:00 AM SHARP! WEEK 13 Monday 26 November PROJECT PRESENTATIONS: Mystics, Saints, and Sinners   IN AULA Project Presentations DUE! WEEK 14 Monday 03 December SITE VISIT FIVE: the "Scavi" beneath, the "Dome" above, and the "Basilica" of St. Peter in Vaticano. Course Evaluations.   IN SITU Meeting Point and Time: the obelisk in St. Peter's Square at 08:15 AM SHARP! WEEK 15 Monday, 10 through Friday, 14 December 2018 Whether you study hard or hardly study, I sincerely wish you all the best! FINAL EXAM Due “in aula” in the room, at the time, and on the date to be determined by the Registrar’s Office during JCU's Final Exam Week (Monday, 10 December through Friday, 14 December 2018). Four weeks in addition to the exam period will be afforded to the completion of this assessment method/assignment (25% of course grade). Research Project Two DUE! TBD