Middlebury

HIST 0346

Medieval Science and Magic

Medieval Science, Technology and Magic
Modern understanding may link science with technology, but leaves magic out as a world apart. In the Medieval West, where alchemy and the astrolabe comfortably shared a workroom, intellectuals pursued both with equal fervor and respectability. In this course we will explore the medieval meanings and context of “science” and “magic,” developments in technology, and the relationship of authority and religion to all three through readings in primary sources, critical essays and monographs, and Umberto Eco's historical novel, The Name of the Rose. Students will contribute to class understanding with frequent individual research, including a final research paper. Pre-1800 (Counts for HSMT credit) 3 hrs. lect./dsc.
Subject:
History
Department:
History
Division:
Humanities
Requirements Fulfilled:
EUR HIS SOC

Sections in Fall 2023, School Abroad Italy (Florence)

Fall 2023

HIST0346A-F23 Lecture (Burnham)