Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: ART, SCIENCE, AND MAGIC IN THE MEDIEVAL WORLD

Department: Art History

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 3

Description: What did “science” and “magic” look like in the medieval world? This course surveys images and objects made between the fifth and the fifteenth century to investigate how they explained, questioned, and theorized the natural and supernatural. With special attention to the inseparability of concepts of science, magic, and religion in premodernity, this discussion-based course will examine how art helped to mediate and substantiate medieval understandings of the world. From textual amulets to saints’ shrines, objects had the power to heal, perform miracles, and affect change beyond the explanation of earthly phenomena. We will look at a wide variety of objects and images related to scientific and para-scientific disciplines; geometry, astrology, cosmology, medicine, anatomy, botany, physiognomy, and geomancy all relied on and produced visual materials to aid in practice. How did the concepts of art, science, magic, and religion overlap, and how do modern definitions fall short in helping us understand premodern ideas about the natural world? Students will develop the conceptual tools necessary to confront these questions using visual evidence. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: HART 520. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for HART 320 if student has credit for HART 550.