Theresa Gross-Diaz, Loyola University Chicago
Fridays, 2:00-5:00 pm; September 24 - December 3, 2004
Medieval indulgences are generally studied as products of the crusades, papal policy, and scholastic theology. The conceptual roots of indulgences, however, antedate these phenomena. On the other hand, scant attention has been paid to the relationship between indulgences and medieval pilgrimage, even though forgiveness of sin was a (if not the) major factor in the motivation of medieval pilgrims. In fact, during the centuries before the crusades, Christians across Europe were taking charge of their afterlives: both purgatory and indulgences were taking form, not under the scrutiny of scholars or the impetus of popes, but as spontaneous developments from evolving ideas of divine justice and the individual's agency in his or her own redemption. This history seminar will focus on the role of indulgences -- eventually formal, but at first popularly conceived and informal -- in the development of pilgrimage. At the same time, we will explore the role of pilgrimage in the development of concepts of sin and forgiveness, especially the instrument of the indulgence, over the course of several centuries.
The seminar will begin with an overview of recent and classic studies of the development of the indulgence (including review of the necessary basic theological/sacramental background). We will then broaden our inquiry to include studies and primary sources reflecting a change in attitudes towards concepts of penance and absolution. The majority of the course will find us exploring miracle collections, song lyrics, "visions" of the afterlife, saints' lives, excerpts from theological treatises and biblical glosses, vernacular literature, Romanesque sculpture, and, eventually, indulgence "treasuries," with an eye to establishing a "popular history" of indulgences. Most of these materials are relatively short and will be made available as photocopies or on reserve. All required primary sources will be available in English as well as in the original languages.
Two manuscripts in the Newberry's collections will be highlighted: MS 3, compiled in the 11th century and MS 6, compiled in the12th, hold several works revealing much about attitudes towards the absolution of sin. We will read some of the works therein in modern editions (and translations) and explore why the short works in these codices may have been bound together.
Assignments will comprise three short studies of primary sources, one of which will ask students to assess materials in MS 3 and MS 6. Each participant will also summarize and present, at the appropriate point in the seminar, one book or two articles in a language other than English. In addition, graduate students taking the course for credit will write a short (10-12 page) research paper on a topic to be cleared with the instructor.
While the reading list will include some materials in French, German, Spanish, Latin (and even Dutch), every effort will be made to provide alternative readings for each class meeting. It will however be assumed that participants will be able to manage at least one language other than English. The two Newberry manuscripts are in easily read "romanesque" hands; students who wish will receive instruction and assistance in transcribing them. Editions and translation of the essential texts therein will be made available.
Funds are available for students and faculty members of Consortium institutions to travel to the Newberry to attend Consortium seminars. For more information, please contact the Center.