Magic in the Middle Ages

  • 4.6
Approx. 9 hours to complete

Course Summary

Unlock the mysteries of the Middle Ages and learn the history and magic of this fascinating period in this online course.

Key Learning Points

  • Explore the beliefs and practices of Medieval magic and sorcery
  • Discover the role of magic in Medieval society and culture
  • Learn about the different types of magical practices and their origins

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the beliefs and practices of Medieval magic and sorcery
  • Recognize the role of magic in Medieval society and culture
  • Identify the different types of magical practices and their origins

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • Interest in history and magic
  • Access to a computer and internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

  • Online
  • Self-paced

Similar Courses

  • The Secret History of Magic
  • Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Middle Ages

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Terry Jones
  • Umberto Eco

Related Books

Description

Magical thought has always attracted human imagination. In this course we will introduce you to the Middle Ages through a wide conception of magic. Students will have an approach to medieval culture, beliefs and practices from the perspective of History and History of Science. Popular magic, as well as learned magic (alchemy, geomancy and necromancy) will be addressed. Moreover, we will also deal with how eastern practices and texts influenced western culture. In July 2016, the course will contain a brand-new module devoted to astrology. Magic in the Middle Ages offers a captivating overview of medieval society and promotes reflection about certain stereotypes associated with this period.

Outline

  • UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO MEDIEVAL MAGIC
  • Introduction
  • The Idea of Magic
  • The Ancient Precedents
  • Magic and Superstition in Christian Europe
  • The Decline of Magic
  • Weekly Video 1 (2015)
  • Unit 1 Quiz
  • UNIT 2: MAGIC & HERESY
  • Church versus Magic: The Early Middle Ages (8:04)
  • The Rise and Fall of Natural Magic (5:56)
  • Persecution Unleashed (6:23)
  • The Tale of the Not-So-Evil Inquisitor (7:18)
  • Necromancy: When Demons Spoke Latin (7:11)
  • Optional video I: Eastern Jewish Communities: A Bit of Context (7:45)
  • Optional video II: The Jewish Idea of Magic (6:38)
  • Weekly Video 2 (2015)
  • Unit 2 Quiz
  • UNIT 3: FROM MAGIC TO WITCHCRAFT
  • The Medieval Origin of the Crime of Witchcraft (3:46)
  • Witchcraft and Maleficent Magic (7:18)
  • The Mythology of Witchcraft (8:04)
  • Medieval Witchcraft Trials (I) (5:58)
  • Medieval Witchcraft Trials (II) (6:34)
  • Optional video: Medieval Sources on Witchcraft (I) (6:19)
  • Optional video: Medieval Sources on Witchcraft (II) (5:53)
  • Weekly Video 3 (2015)
  • Unit 3 Quiz
  • UNIT 4: MAGIC IN ISLAM
  • The Varieties of Magic in Islam
  • How Was Magic Received in Islam?(8:51)
  • The Ikhwān al- Ṣafā’ on Magic and the Occult (8:29)
  • The Science of the Letters (10:01)
  • Alchemy I: Arabic Alchemy
  • Alchemy II: Arabo-Latin Alchemy (9:55)
  • Weekly Video 4 (2015)
  • Unit 4 Quiz
  • UNIT 5: ASTROLOGY & GEOMANCY
  • Medieval Astrology: Between Science and Magic
  • The Melting Pot of Medieval Astrology
  • Early Medieval Astronomy: the Moon, the Zodiac, Thunders and Dreams
  • Horoscopes and World Events: the Doings of High-End Astrology
  • Geomancy
  • Optional video-On World Cycles 1: The Great Year Doctrine in Antiquity (1)
  • Optional video-On World Cycles 1: The Great Year Doctrine in Antiquity (2)
  • Optional video-On World Cycles 2: The Great Year Doctrine in the Middle Ages (1)
  • Optional video-On World Cycles 2: The Great Year Doctrine in the Middle Ages (2)
  • Unit 5 Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

engaging and informative lectures

Pros from User Reviews

  • well-structured course material
  • fascinating insights into medieval history
  • great visuals and graphics
  • easy-to-follow explanations
  • engaging and knowledgeable instructor

Cons from User Reviews

  • some technical issues with the platform
  • lack of interaction with other students
  • not enough quizzes or assessments
  • could have covered more topics
  • some lectures were too long
English
Available now
Approx. 9 hours to complete
Godefroid de Callataÿ - University of Louvain, Dr Pau Castell Granados, Sébastien Moureau - University of Louvain, Dr Gemma Pellissa Prades, Delfi I. Nieto-Isabel, Blanca Villuendas
Universitat de Barcelona
Coursera
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