MAPPING THE UNIVERSE IN MEDIEVAL THOUGHT
Have you ever wondered how the universe was thought of in the medieval era? Did medieval people think that the earth was spherical or flat? How did they envisage their environment and explain changes in weather patterns and astrological occurrences like comets? This course explores a range of fascinating themes, including the existence of strange beings at the edge of the known world; the positions of the Garden of Eden, heaven and hell in the cosmos; and contextualises medieval notions of supernatural and natural phenomena. Using medieval cartography and chronicles as a basis for discussion, we will investigate how medieval concepts of the universe were represented within the visual and literary realms of the period. In particular, maps such as the Hereford Mappa Mundi (c. 1320) and the Ebstorf world map (c. 1235), and also the major historical chronicles of the times, such as those by Matthew Paris (d. 1259) and Randulf Higden (d. 1364) will be used.
Thursdays 7.30-9pm Mar 9 16 23 30 $119
Course code 062057 Booking essential
6488 2433 or online www.extension.uwa.edu.au
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