Medieval and Modern Matrices of European Culture

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Theoretical-practical lessons, which include the review of documents and presentations of topics prepared by students prior to class. Possible participation of guests to deepen the discussions. 

Learning Outcomes

Students will gain a knowledge of the essence of medieval culture in its religious and secular aspects.  Understanding the evolution of this reality during the 5th to the 15th centuries. Perception of the perennial elements of medieval culture and recognition of the relevant intellectual players of the Middle Ages and their contribution to modern Europe. A deepening of the humanist tradition, from the Erasmian perspective and in line with the doctrine of the Renaissance anthropocentrism. Understanding of the philosophical and conceptual legacy of modernity. Seizure of critical rationalism of the Enlightenment and the historical context of affirmation of the concepts of freedom, tolerance, progress and secularization.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Belief and knowledge in the Middle Ages:

1.1. Fundamental categories of medieval culture: time, space, justice, wealth and work

1.2. Medieval Christianity and the dialogue between the book religions 

1.3. Lay and secular culture. The urban renaissance of the 12th century and the search for new paths

1.4. The world of universities: internal organization, conceptions of knowledge and rediscovery of classical thought

2. Humanism, Enlightenment and Secularization

2.1. Paradigms and tutelary figures of humanist culture

2.2. The idea of peace and religious and philosophical harmony during the Renaissance

2.3. The idea of progress and the notion of historical temporality in the culture of the Enlightenment

2.4. Critical reasoning and the affirmation of freedom, tolerance and brotherhood.

2.5. Theoretical foundations of secularization and secularism

2.6. Political ideas and action - convergences and divergences.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Cristina Cardoso Santos Bartolomeu de Araújo

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Brewer, D. (1993). The Discourse of Enlightenment in Eighteenth-century France. Cambridge University Press.

Brown, P. (1999). A Ascensão do Cristianismo no Ocidente. Presença.

Catroga, F. (2006). Entre Deuses e Césares. Secularização, laicidade e religião civil. Almedina.

Chaunu, P. (1995). A Civilização da Europa das Luzes. Estampa.

Colish, M.L. (1998). Medieval Foundations of the Western Intellectual Tradition, 400-1400. Yale University Press.

Ferrone, V., & Roche, D. (1999). Le Monde des Lumières. Fayard.

Gurevitch, A.I. (1990). As Categorias da Cultura Medieval. Caminho.

Koselleck, R. (1999). Crítica e Crise. Uma contribuição à patgênese do mundo burguês. Eduarj.

Küng, H. (1999). Os grandes pensadores do Cristianismo. Presença.

Leppin, H. (2010). L'eredità del mondo antico. Il Mulino.

Pereira, M.B. (1990). Modernidade e Tempo, para uma leitura do discurso moderno. Minerva.

Verger, J. (1999). Gentes del saber en la Europa de finales de la Edad Media. Complutense.