| Unit name | Persecution and Toleration: Dealing with Difference in Late Medieval and Early Modern Europe |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HISTM2012 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Austin |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of History (Historical Studies) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Traditional accounts of the late medieval and early modern periods have tended to emphasise the extent to which hostility characterised interactions between groups which differed in belief, behaviour or outlook. More recently, however, scholars have begun to show an interest in irenic and ecumenical tendencies in this period, and to identify some of the positive aspects of encounters between different cultures and faiths. Drawing upon a wide range of contemporary primary sources, and a growing body of secondary literature, this unit seeks to examine attitudes towards, and the treatment of, various groups, including Jews, Muslims, heretics, foreigners, witches and homosexuals. In particular, it seeks to build up a sensitive and nuanced interpretation of these relationships. Furthermore, the use of a series of case-studies will allow for comparison between groups, as well as shedding light on the broader themes, as relevant today as then, of persecution and toleration.
