units

ATS4289

Faculty of Arts

12 April 2013 25 May 2013

Undergraduate - Unit

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12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Arts
Organisational UnitAustralian Centre for Jewish Civilisation
OfferedClayton First semester 2013 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Professor Constant Mews

Notes

Previously coded HSY4260

Synopsis

This unit examines the intellectual interaction between Judaism, Christianity and Islam in the medieval period. Focusing mainly on the late twelfth and thirteenth century, the unit revolves around a central religious fault line of the era- reason and rationalism on the one hand, and the mystical quest on the other - and pursues a comparative analysis of the major figures from each of the traditions. Beginning with the rationalists, the course explores the thought of Ibn Rushd, Maimonides and Thomas Aquinas, before moving to a comparative examination of various mystics, such as - Bernard of Clairvaux, Bonaventure, the Zohar, Meister Eckhart, Ibn al-Arabi and Rumi.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be expected to:

  1. have an understanding of the major intellectual currents within Judaism, Christianity and Islam in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries
  2. have an understanding of the relationship between and mutual influences informing the various traditions
  3. understand the role of classical thinkers and writers on the varied traditions
  4. demonstrate familiarity with the major texts of the key religious figures of the period
  5. appreciate the exegetical horizons facing interpreters of scripture
  6. be able to engage in comparative analysis of philosophers and mystics from the different traditions
  7. have applied the reading and interpretative skills they have learned to unseen texts
  8. identify continuities and ruptures among the thinkers and writers examined

Assessment

Research essay (6000 words): 50%; Seminar paper (1000 words): 15%; Take-home exam (2000 words): 25%; Seminar preparation: 10%.

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Constant Mews

Contact hours

One 2.5 hour seminar per week

Prohibitions

APG4289, APG5289