Medieval pilgrimage

Pilgrimage was a vital part of medieval Christianity, undertaken by both women and men. This fully illustrated course examines why people became pilgrims and what happened to them. The destinations discussed include Jerusalem, Mecca, Rome, Assisi, Compostela and Canterbury.

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Key course information

Dates
19/04/12 - 21/06/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
10 weeks

Time
18:00 - 19:30

Fees
Full fee: £78
Senior fee: £78

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HH031

Availability
This date is full

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

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Course outline

What is the course about?

This is a course about European pilgrimage during the medieval period. It covers an exciting and absorbing field of historical research and introduces a selection of the most fascinating texts and ideas of the Middle Ages. Each week we focus on a different pilgrimage centre. Among the destinations discussed are Jerusalem, other sites in the Holy Land, Mecca, Constantinople, Rome, Assisi, Compostela, Bury St. Edmunds and Canterbury.

What topics will we cover?

The nature and function of pilgrimage is introduced and discussed with reference to Jerusalem and then the other cities noted above. Most of these great pilgrimage centres could be reached by a number of different routes, some more challenging than others. In the case of Santiago de Compostela people often started from home, but some travelled to Le Puy or Clermont Ferrand. The earliest Christian pilgrims to journey to Compostela journeyed in the later 8th century: once there they obtained and returned with a Galician scallop shell as a memento and evidence that they had reached the shrine.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

explain the motivation for embarking on pilgrimage for religious reasons;
explain how pilgrimage as an idea changed over the period covered by the course;
describe how pilgrims’ experiences impacted on their home societies;
evaluate the sources available for understanding medieval pilgrimage;.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is open to anyone with an interest and enthusiasm for the subject. No prior knowledge is necessary, although if you have experience in this field, it should help you to appreciate the subject even more. Each session provides opportunities to study a selection of both primary and secondary source material. There are opportunities to discuss differing interpretations of historical evidence and other issues and problems. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to develop study and research skills, and to express your ideas with confidence.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Most sessions involve the tutor leading in with a prepared talk or lecture. These are illustrated with slides. There is ample opportunity for discussion and questions. As the course progresses you may wish to play a greater part in learning by presenting an aspect of our course to the group or by introducing a discussion. Sessions are accompanied by a prepared handout providing selected sources, discussion questions and additional bibliography.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You may well wish to buy a recommended book or two. Some visits are recommended, which may involve travel and entrance fees, although these are not part of the course itself.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Other courses from the 'Medieval and early modern' section.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.