92917 - History of Medieval Culture and Thought (1)

Learning outcomes

The course deepens the knowledge of medieval culture and thought considered in some of its significant aspects. The course also aims to train the reading and critical analysis of the texts, also through the study of the manuscript tradition. The study of the topics discussed allows students to acquire the ability to assess the impact of the acquisitions of medieval culture in European thought, symbolism and life forms. The historiographical interpretations of topics and texts under consideration will be illustrated.

Course contents

Ecstatic thought. Mechanisms of thought in the visions of Hildegarde of Bingen

The course is divided into two modules. The first is institutional in nature and the second monographic. Each of the two modules is divided into two sections.

Module 1

1.1 Reference authors in the medieval philosophical tradition

1.2 Medieval philosophy as a contaminated intellectual form and intersections: Philosophy and literature. Philosophy and theology. Philosophy and the natural sciences. European philosophy and non-European philosophies. Authors and authors.


Module 2

2.1. Presentation of the problems posed by visionary traditions of the Latin Middle Agesin their historical development (11th-15th centuries)

2.2. Reading and commentary on Liber divinorum operum by Hildegarde of Bingen

Readings/Bibliography

1. Authors and history of medieval philosophy

A single text chosen from the following

(A) Michela Pereira, La filosofia nel Medioevo sec. 6-15, Roma 2016 [cinque capitoli a scelta dell’allievo]; (B) Claudio Leonardi Medioevo latino. La cultura dell'Europa cristiana cur. Francesco Santi, praef. I Deug-Su - Oronzo Limone - Enrico Menestò, Firenze, SISMEL. Edizioni del Galluzzo 2004 [only pp. 191-396 or pp. 399-567] (in ALMARE: dbase>Mirabile, Home>Miscelanee> Medioevo latino)) (C) Francesco Santi L'età metaforica. Figure di Dio e letteratura latina medievale da Gregorio Magno a Dante Spoleto (Perugia), Centro italiano di studi sull'Alto Medioevo (CISAM) 2011 pp. XVIII-404 tav. 1 (Uomini e mondi medievali. Collana del Centro Italiano di Studi sul Basso Medioevo - Accademia Tudertina 25) [only pp. 3-150 or pp. 153-345].

2. Hildegard of Bingen (Text read during the course)

Marta Cristiani (comm.) Michela Pereira, (trad. comm.) Ildegarda di Bingen Il libro delle opere divine Milano, A. Mondadori 2003 pp. CLXXII-1318 tavv. 10 (I Meridiani. Classici dello Spirito). (A different edition may be proposed to the teacher).

Non attending students

Another philosophical text of the medieval Latin tradition chosen among the works of the following authors (in critical edition and translation): Boezio, Cassiodoro, Gregorio Magno, Alcuino, Gerberto di Aurillac, Anselmo di Canterbury, Pietro Abelardo, Eloisa del Paracleto, Bernardo di Clairvaux, Ildegarde di Bingen, Riccardo di San Vittore, Alano di Lilla, Tommaso d’Aquino, Bonaventura di Bagnoregio, Angela da Foligno, Raimondo Lullo, Dante Alighieri, Giovanni Duns Scoto, Eckhart, Guglielmo d’Ockham, Niccolò Cusano. (The teacher is available to advise on accessible and reliable editions. Other authors may be proposed to the teacher).

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

 

Teaching methods

Classes are organized in form of lectures, about

1. general issues
2. the latin work of Peter John Olivi
3. the handwritten transmission of medieval philosophical works.

After checking the class situation, the teacher will try to encourage seminar activities, in accordance with the teaching tradition.

Assessment methods

The exams consist in an interview (30').

Students should be able to demonstrate their skills in reading and interpreting the texts, in placing authors and texts in their historical context, and in assessing their contribution within the history of European culture.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

During the course, the main internet sites that allow access to some of the medieval Latin manuscripts will be presented, with particular attention to philosophical culture.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Santi