HIS 332 - Topics: Monasteries & the World in Middle Ages (1)

This course examines the ideal and the reality of the Christian monastic life in medieval Europe, particularly exploring the clash between the ideal of spiritual retreat from the world and the reality that monasteries frequently became wealthy and powerful institutions. We will also look at monastic learning, challenges to the idea of monasticism, and how expectations varied by gender. Prerequisite: junior standing.
(Humanities)