HST2109 - The Heretic, the Witch and the Inquisitor: The Medieval Inquisition From the Cathars to Joan of Arc 

HST2109: The Heretic, the Witch and the Inquisitor: The Medieval Inquisition From the Cathars to Joan of Arc 

20 credits (Semester 2)

Module Leader: Professor Martial Staub (2024-25)

Module Summary

The Inquisition - an extraordinary court instituted by bishops from the 13th century to judge heretics and encourage their return to the Roman Church - marks an important development in medieval history and has played an essential role in modern perceptions of the Middle Ages. By focusing on some of the best known sources of the Inquisition, which have been important in recent historiography as well as contemporary fiction (The Name of the Rose), this module allows you to reflect on how a better understanding of the Middle Ages and a critical questioning of modern prejudices can benefit from each other.

The module focuses on two main source collections (which are available online in English translation): the inquisition record of Jacques Fournier, bishop of Pamiers in South France in the early 14th century, who became Pope Benedict XII, and the two trials of Joan of Arc, i.e., the accusation trial of 1431, at the end of which she was burned at the stake, and the rehabilitation trial of the 1450s that overturned the verdict of the first trial. It examines other forms and continuations of inquisition, such as the Spanish Inquisition (starting in 1478), the Roman Inquisition (which famously condemned Galileo in 1633), and the beginning of the witch-craze of the early modern period in late medieval Europe. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of the topic studied and the ability to identify and engage with major historical debates and issues

• Use a critical knowledge of primary sources to engage with current historiography and to formulate independent conclusions, both orally and in well-written, grammatical prose

• Recognise, evaluate and analyse primary source materials and to apply these skills and knowledge in writing essays and/or commentaries on source materials under pressure of time

• Demonstrate familiarity with a wide variety of historiographical approaches

Assessment

Please see this page for assessment details.

Background Materials

To follow.