Medieval Women & Religion

Course Description

This course will take students on a historical and theological journey through medieval Christianity from the perspective of women. Our exploration of the lived faith of women in medieval Europe will include introductions to biblical women who became exemplars of faith for the medieval church, formidable abbesses such as Hild of Whitby, preachers such as Hildegard of Bingen, mystics such as Julian of Norwich, and pilgrims such as Margery Kempe.

As we examine the theological writing and teaching of medieval women, students will gain a deeper understanding of both medieval Christianity and women’s wide-ranging leadership in the pre-modern church. Drawing on new research undertaken for the professor’s current book project, this course will offer a fresh perspective on a time when the church did not forget the wisdom of women.