Readings in Medieval History: Saints and Sinners
One man casts off all his worldly goods (including his clothes) in public, and is called a saint. Another rejects his wealth while studying the Gospel and preaching, and is declared a heretic. What made Francis of Assisi saintly, and Waldo of Lyons heretical? In this seminar we will examine the historiographical traditions of sanctity and heresy, and will look at saints' lives and heretical sources to examine the grey zone between them. In a final research paper, students will explore another case on their own. 3 hrs. sem.