Hildegard of Bingen

Undergraduate / Graduate

Hildegard of Bingen (d. 1179) is difficult to categorize. Abbess, visionary, poet, playwright, preacher, physician, theologian, scriptual exegete, composer, Hildegard is best-known for her idiosyncratic use of imagery for the exploration of Christian doctrine, but only rarely are modern scholars equipped with the technical training to appreciate the various media in which she worked, nor are they typically versed in the cosmological and mathematical studies on which Hildegard's multi-media imagery depended. This course combines study of Hildegard's visionary writings with in-depth attention to the artistic, scientific, liturgical, and institutional context in which she worked. Particular attention will be given to her training in the verbal and mathematical arts, especially music, and to the role of the virtues in her calls for psychological and ecclesiastical reform. Course requirements will include exercises in various arts and a final research paper on select aspects of Hildegard's oeuvre.