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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "RL 225-1"
COURSE NAME: "Mystics, Saints, and Sinners: Studies in Medieval Catholic Culture"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Spring 2025
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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:
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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.
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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. 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. Each of the Mid-Term and Final Exams ia a 3,000 word essay response to 10-20 questions based on lecture material, course texts, and some combination of the two. These exams will test the student's capacity for analysis and synthesis of course lecture and text material and develop critical thinking and its comprehensible communication through English composition. Specific "Mystics, Saints, and Sinners" will be addressed directly through individual course participants' in aula oral and visual "Research Project Presentations" based on outside research and sources annotated by the instructor's further lecture material. This will examine students' capacity for using current multimedia platforms in demonstrating and communicating the results of that outside research and the coherent and comprehensible communication of that outside research through public speaking.
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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 and public speaking 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. Students' capacity for analyzing and synthesizing course lecture material, texts, and outside research and the coherent and comprehensible communication of that material through the written and spoken word serves to develop the skill of critical thinking.
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TEXTBOOK:
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Mid-Term Exam | The "Midterm Exam" will test students' research and note-taking skills through an analysis of assigned readings and class lecture notes. The exam 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 & specific verse number/s from which they are providing answers; 2) questions to be answered from class lecture notes including on-site visits. "Midterm Exams" are to be type-written in Times New Roman 12 point font, single-spaced, and with fully justified margins and are due exclusively in PDF format in the designated drop-box on JCU's "Moodle" platform no later than the date and time indicated. Errors in grammar, punctuation, syntax, diction, composition, and formatting will be deducted for a total of 15 points out of 100. Each of the questions is worth ten points. Lack of proper citations for readings merits point deductions in addition to inaccuracies, imprecisions, and lack of elaboration. This assignment is worth 20% of the overall final course grade. Student names are to appear nowhere on the exam. Rather, students will submit the "Midterm Exam" using their JCU ID number. This process is to ensure transparency and impartiality in evaluating and grading exams.. Late, emailed, and hand-written exams will not be accepted and will result in a failing grade of 00% F for this assessment method. Questions and clarifications as per the prompts/instructions should be addressed in class for the benefit of all course participants. Emailed questions or clarifications will not receive a guaranteed response. The "Midterm Exam" will be posted on JCU's "Moodle" platform at the beginning of the semester. Further details, instructions, prompts, and precise due date and time can be found on the JCU Moodle platform for this course. | 20% |
| Research Project Presentation | Each student will be assigned one topic from a list of topics in class, which will be available on JCU's "Moodle" platform at the beginning of WEEK 2 of the semester and will present a research project in class during WEEK 14. Presentations are to be approximately 6 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-visual presentation as well as the quality of public speaking and communication skills. Project presentations must use some form of visual/audio media (PowerPoint, etc.). Research Project Presentations may not be presented on any other day. If a student is unable to present or does not submit their project, then a grade of 00% "F" will be awarded for this assessment method (worth 20% of the overall final course grade). Further details, instructions, prompts, and precise due date and time can be found on the JCU Moodle platform for this course. | 20% |
| Final Exam | The "Final Exam" will test students' research and note-taking skills through an analysis and synthesis of lecture material. The Final Exam is structured similarly to the previous Mid'Term Exam: 4 essay questions weighted 25 points each. Exams are to be type-written in Times New Roman 12 point font, single-spaced, and with fully justified margins and are due exclusively in PDF format in the designated drop-box on JCU's "Moodle" platform no later than the date and time indicated. Errors in grammar, punctuation, syntax, diction, composition, and formatting will be deducted for a total of 15 points out of 100. This assignment is worth 20% of the overall final course grade. Student names are to appear nowhere on the exam. Rather, students will submit the "Midterm Exam" using their JCU ID number. This process is to ensure transparency and impartiality in evaluating and grading exams.. Late, emailed, and hand-written exams will not be accepted and will result in a failing grade of 00% F for this assessment method. Questions and clarifications as per the prompts/instructions should be addressed in class for the benefit of all course participants. Emailed questions or clarifications will not receive a guaranteed response. The "Final Exam" will be posted on JCU's "Moodle" platform at the beginning of Week 9 of the semester. Further details, instructions, prompts, and precise due date and time can be found on the JCU Moodle platform for this course. | 20% |
| Outline and Worksheet One, Attendance, and Participation | Students must take notes directly on “Outline and Worksheet One” and, consequently, students ideally should use their laptops during "in aula" (in classroom) lecture sessions. This assignment is worth 20% of the overall final course grade. Recorded video lectures for in aula lecture sessions (a total of 3) and are available with embedded links provided on “Outline and Worksheet One”. Students must take notes on Outline and Worksheet One during "in situ" (on site) visits (a total of 3). This assessment method directly assists student performance on the Mid-Term and Final exams and circumvents unforeseen circumstances that potentially prevent the course or any of its participants from meeting for any reason. Student presence and active participation during both in aula and in situ lecture sessions are required and materially manifested in the quantity and quality of notes taken. “Outline and Worksheet One” is due in the designated drop-box through JCU’s “Moodle” platform no later than the due date and time indicated on that platform. Assignments must be submitted exclusively as PDF documents, and late or lack of submissions will result in a failing grade of 00% F. | 20% |
| Outline and Worksheet Two, Attendance, and Participation | Students must take notes directly on “Outline and Worksheet Two” and, consequently, students ideally should use their laptops during "in aula" (in classroom) lecture sessions. This assignment is worth 20% of the overall final course grade. Recorded video lectures for in aula lecture sessions (a total of 3) and are available with embedded links provided on “Outline and Worksheet Two”. Students must take notes on Outline and Worksheet Two during "in situ" (on site) visits (a total of 2). This assessment method directly assists student performance on the Final Exam and circumvents unforeseen circumstances that potentially prevent the course or any of its participants from meeting for any reason. Student presence and active participation during both in aula and in situ lecture sessions are required and materially manifested in the quantity and quality of notes taken. “Outline and Worksheet Two” is due in the designated drop-box through JCU’s “Moodle” platform no later than the due date and time indicated on that platform. Assignments must be submitted exclusively as PDF documents, and late or lack of submissions will result in a failing grade of 00% F. | 20% |
-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 and meets only once a week during a three-hour block for a total of 14 lecture sessions in addition to the Final Exam during WEEK 15. Six lecture sessions are "in aula" (in the classroom), five lecture sessions are "in situ" (on site), one lecture session is dedicated to the Mid-Term Exam, one lecture session is dedicated to the Research Project Presentation, and one lecture session is dedicated to the preparation of the Research Project Presentation, Final Exam, and any extensions requested for their completion. Punctual presence and active participation are required. Refer to the "Outline and Worksheet One" and "Outline and Worksheet Two" above in the "Assessment Methods" section for further detail.
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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.
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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.
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SCHEDULE
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| Session | Session Focus | Reading Assignment | Other Assignment | Meeting Place/Exam Dates |
| WEEK 1 | COURSE INTRODUCTION: 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? 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. | Syllabus | IN AULA | 09:15-11:15 |
| WEEK 2 | ANCIENT ROMAN FOUNDATIONS: “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. ANCIENT CHRISTIAN FOUNDATIONS: 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 3 | DARK AGES (4th – 9th centuries CE): The metamorphosis of ancient Rome into medieval Christendom. The Islamic Caliphate vs. the “Barbarians” vs. the Merovingians and Carolingians; the birth of the “Holy Roman Empire” and the “Papal States”; monasticism; the monastery and cathedral “schola”; the university; the ancient Roman Basilica and its transformation into medieval Christendom's Cathedral. | Previous Lecture Material • The "Donation of Constantine" • The "Rule of St. Benedict" | IN AULA | |
| WEEK 3 - Site Visit Six | EXTRAORDINARY SITE VISIT | IN SITU | Ancient Roman Necropolis in Vaticano and Tomb of Simon Peter (a.k.a. "the Scavi") | Meeting Point: in front of the obelisk in the center of Saint Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro) Meeting Time: Friday morning, 07 February at 08:30 AM SHARP! |
| WEEK 4 | SITE VISIT ONE: Saint Paul's "outside the Walls": fourth century CE basilica and tomb of the Apostle Paul. | Previous Lecture Material | IN SITU | Meeting Point and Time: on the small grassy lawn beneath the trees in front of the wrought iron gate between the atrium and Viale di San Paolo at 10:00 AM SHARP! End time 11:30 (Travel time is one hour each way.) |
| WEEK 5 | SITE VISIT TWO: Saint John Lateran Basilica: the Pope's Cathedral and Mother and Head of all churches in the city of Rome and the world; fourth century baptistery; the Holy Staircase (Scala Sancta). | Previous Lecture Material | IN SITU | Meeting Point and Time: in Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano in front of the barricades at Saint John Lateran Basilica's main entrance at 10:00 AM SHARP! |
| WEEK 6 | SITE VISIT THREE: 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). "Outline and Worksheet One" is due this week. See JCU's Moodle platform for further specific detailed instructions, prompts, and due date. | Previous Lecture Material | IN SITU | Meeting Point and Time: in the atrium in front of the "Our Lady of Lourdes" grotto just inside the gate on Via di Sant'Agnese 2/3 at 09:30 AM SHARP! End time at 12:15 PM. (Travel time each way is one hour.) |
| WEEK 7 | MIDTERM EXAM: Class will not meet formally this week. Six weeks in addition to exam time is afforded to the completion of this assignment (20% of the overall final course grade). | All material covered through WEEK 6. | DOMICILIO | See JCU's Moodle platform for further specific detailed instructions, prompts, and due date. |
| WEEK 8 | MEDIEVAL DEBATE ONE: "De Iure Pontificio vs. De Iure Divino": the feudal system, simony, and lay investiture; the "Dictatus Papae", the "Magna Charta", and the "Unam Sanctam". | Anselm's "Proslogion" • Aquinas' "De Aeternitate Mundi" | IN AULA | |
| WEEK 9 | MEDIEVAL DEBATE TWO: "The Buying and Selling of Indulgences": the cult of martyrs, saints, and relics; the sacrament of "Confession, Penance, and Reconciliation"; the medieval Equestrian and Mendicant orders; the Jubilee of 1300, the Proto-Reformation and the Proto-Renaissance. | Previous Lecture Material | IN AULA | |
| WEEK 10 | MEDIEVAL DEBATE THREE: "Fides vs. Ratio": the ancients' "Cosmological" argument; Anselm's "Ontological" argument; Aquinas' "Five Ways". | Previous Lecture Material | IN AULA | |
| WEEK 11 | SITE VISIT FOUR: Medieval Religious Orders: Benedictine Monks, Equestrian Knights, and Dominican Mendicant Friars on the Aventine Hill. | Previous Lecture Material | IN SITU | Meeting Point and Time: the Aventine Hill in front of the Basilica of Saint Sabina at 10:00 AM SHARP! |
| WEEK 12 | SITE VISIT FIVE: Medieval Religious Orders: Franciscan Cappuchin Mendicant Friars and their Crypt Church (a.k.a. Rome's "Bone Church"). | Previous Lecture Material | IN SITU | Meeting Point and Time: Fontana del Tritone in Piazza Barberini at 10:00 AM SHARP! |
| WEEK 13 | PREPARATION and EXTENSION WEEK: Class will not meet formally this week. Students should use this preemptive extension period to finish all remaining assignments including the Outline and Worksheet Two, the Research Project Presentation, and the Final Exam. This blanket extension is afforded to all students, regardless of legitimate or illegitimate extension requests, which will not be granted to any student beyond the assignment due dates. | Previous Lecture Material | DOMICILIO | |
| WEEK 14 | RESEARCH PROJECT PRESENTATION WEEK | See JCU's Moodle platform for further details, prompts, instructions, and due date. | IN AULA | |
| WEEK 15 | FINAL EXAM: Whether you study hard or hardly study, I sincerely wish you all the best of success on all of your course work! | All previously assigned readings and lecture material. See JCU's Moodle platform for further details, instructions, prompts, and due date. | DOMICILIO | Friday 09 May 2025 |
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