Catholic Christendom, 1450-1650 (U02954)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-3-CC

Denounced by one polemical Protestant writer in the sixteenth century as a 'Synagogue of Satan' the
Catholic church has frequently had a bad press from those who have sought to challenge the
predominance of the first truly world religion. It is often forgotten that the Catholic Church's
severest critics actually came from within its own ranks, and that most of the population of Europe
remained Catholic by 1650. This course examines some of the resons for this success, and addresses
the dynamism and energy, as well as the corruption and chicanery, that characterised Catholicism in
an era of unprecedented expansion and conflict. Topics covered include: the Inquisition and the
prosecution of 'superstition'; ritual brotherhood; false saints and visionaries; art and music; and
the Renaissance papacy.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A pass in any first level historical course or equivalent and any second level historical course or equivalent. Before enrolling students on this course, Directors are asked to contact the History Honours Admissions Secretary to ensure that a place is available (tel. 503783).

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Thursday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course the student will have some knowledge of the nature of
Catholic beliefs and practices over the course of two centuries. The student will also appreciate
the internal and external challenges faced by the Catholic church after 1450 and the strategies
employed to deal with them. The student will understand the the term 'reform' in its contemporary
usages, as well as the different ways in which reform was attempted: from reform in 'head and
members' to mystical and humanist programmes of renewal. The interaction of popular and elite,
religious and secular groups will also be examined and students will have some appreciation of the
cosmological continuum which existed in Catholicism from the strictly liturgical to the frankly
'superstitious', as well as the continuities which characterised Catholic beliefs and practices
before and after the Council of Trent (1545-63): notably in the use of councils, inquisition,
religious brotherhoods, prophecy and providentialism, and lay discipline.

Assessment Information

This course will demand one 3000 word essay worth one third of overall assessment and one two hour examination worth two thirds of overall assessment.