Medieval pilgrimage
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
- Course Code: HEH86
- Dates: 14/05/24 - 18/06/24
- Time: 19:30 - 21:00
- Taught: Tue, Evening
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Vanessa King
Course Code: HEH86
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course focuses on how and why people went on pilgrimage; the sites they visited and how they memorialised their experiences.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
We begin by tracing the evolution of pilgrimage and the nature of the sources that survive to illustrate the experience of pilgrims. We discuss both physical and spiritual pilgrimages that could be undertaken. We end by looking in detail at the travel account of Felix Fabri.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Explain why people went on pilgrimage and why they continue to do so today
• Evaluate the usefulness of travel accounts as guidebooks for the would be pilgrim
• Identify at least five pilgrimage sites and the relics associated with them
• Chart the journey of Felix Fabri to Jerusalem in 1483
• Discuss the logistics of travel.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge is required. However, a good standard of reading, writing and speaking English is essential. An open mind and a willingness to engage respectfully in class discussion and debate.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
PowerPoint will be used to illustrate key points and then we will be reading and discussing contemporary sources (in translation). You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Other medieval history courses. Please see the City Lit website.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses in European history. Please see the City Lit website.
Vanessa King is a reitred university lecturer in Medieval and early Modern History. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and Honorary Fellow of Birkbeck College University of London. At City Lit, Vanessa offers courses and day schools on London, European, and Global Encounters in the Far East. She has published widely on the Anglo-Norman period (1066-1154), and is currently writing a book on Early English Queenship 600-1066 for Routledge. You can follow her progress via her website: https://queenshipinpreconquestengland.wordpress.com/ Vanessa’s expertise in medieval matters means she is frequently called upon to give public lectures and speak on BBC Radio. Vanessa's philosophy of teaching is to make history come alive through informative presentations with a good sense of humour. In her spare time, she enjoys nothing better than talking history over a glass of red wine!
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
