Medieval Religion: definitions and conce

In this course, the concept of religion stands at the heart of our exploration, as it shaped and was shaped by the medieval world. We will critically engage with definitions and interpretations of religion, both as a subject of scholarly debate in the study of religions and as a pivotal force in medieval history. The course will examine how Christianity, Judaism, and Islam were not only systems of belief but also comprehensive frameworks that structured medieval society, politics, and intellectual life. Through an analysis of religious texts, practices, and institutions, we will explore how religion was lived and understood in the Middle Ages, while also addressing broader theoretical debates in the history of religion. This approach invites us to reflect on the historical construction of "religion" as a category and its relevance in shaping our understanding of the medieval world.