Medieval Theology

3 credits

The course provides an historical introduction to Christian theology in the medieval West, c. 400 - c. 1400, with a focus on medieval scholasticism. Fundamental themes include modes of theological discourse, scriptural exegesis, monasticism, mysticism, and scholasticism. The course considers how such theologians as Augustine of Hippo, Pseudo-Dionysius, Bede, Anselm of Canterbury, Bernard of Clairvaux, Hugh and Richard of St. Victor, Robert of Melun, Peter Lombard, Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, Mechthild of Magdeburg, Gertrude of Helfta, and John Duns Scotus understood such central theological topics as the natural knowledge of God, divine revelation, Trinity, creation, the human person, sin, evil, grace, predestination, Christ, mystical union, the Virgin Mary, salvation, and the sacraments.