Magical thought has always attracted human imagination. In this course we will introduce you to the Middle Ages through a wide conception of magic. Students will have an approach to medieval culture, beliefs and practices from the perspective of History and History of Science. Popular magic, as well as learned magic (alchemy, geomancy and necromancy) will be addressed. Moreover, we will also deal with how eastern practices and texts influenced western culture. In July 2016, the course will contain a brand-new module devoted to astrology. Magic in the Middle Ages offers a captivating overview of medieval society and promotes reflection about certain stereotypes associated with this period.
Magic in the Middle Ages
Universitat de BarcelonaAbout this Course
78,596 recent views
Learner Career Outcomes
17%
started a new career after completing these courses
20%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 9 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: French, Chinese (Simplified), German, Russian, English, Spanish, Romanian
Skills you will gain
Middle EastAstronomyHistoryAnthropology
Learner Career Outcomes
17%
started a new career after completing these courses
20%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 9 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: French, Chinese (Simplified), German, Russian, English, Spanish, Romanian
Offered by
Universitat de Barcelona
The University of Barcelona is the most formidable public institution of higher education in Catalonia, catering to the needs of the greatest number of students and delivering the broadest and most comprehensive offering in higher educational courses. The UB is also the principal centre of university research in Spain and has become a European benchmark for research activity, both in terms of the number of research programmes it conducts and the excellence these have achieved.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO MEDIEVAL MAGIC
1 hour to complete
6 videos (Total 31 min)
6 videos
The Idea of Magic3m
The Ancient Precedents5m
Magic and Superstition in Christian Europe6m
The Decline of Magic7m
Weekly Video 1 (2015)5m
1 practice exercise
Unit 1 Quiz30m
1 hour to complete
UNIT 2: MAGIC & HERESY
1 hour to complete
8 videos (Total 57 min)
8 videos
The Rise and Fall of Natural Magic (5:56)5m
Persecution Unleashed (6:23)6m
The Tale of the Not-So-Evil Inquisitor (7:18)7m
Necromancy: When Demons Spoke Latin (7:11)7m
Optional video I: Eastern Jewish Communities: A Bit of Context (7:45)7m
Optional video II: The Jewish Idea of Magic (6:38)6m
Weekly Video 2 (2015)8m
1 practice exercise
Unit 2 Quiz30m
2 hours to complete
UNIT 3: FROM MAGIC TO WITCHCRAFT
2 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 49 min)
8 videos
Witchcraft and Maleficent Magic (7:18)7m
The Mythology of Witchcraft (8:04)8m
Medieval Witchcraft Trials (I) (5:58)6m
Medieval Witchcraft Trials (II) (6:34)6m
Optional video: Medieval Sources on Witchcraft (I) (6:19)6m
Optional video: Medieval Sources on Witchcraft (II) (5:53)5m
Weekly Video 3 (2015)4m
1 practice exercise
Unit 3 Quiz30m
2 hours to complete
UNIT 4: MAGIC IN ISLAM
2 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 72 min)
7 videos
How Was Magic Received in Islam?(8:51)8m
The Ikhwān al- Ṣafā’ on Magic and the Occult (8:29)8m
The Science of the Letters (10:01)10m
Alchemy I: Arabic Alchemy8m
Alchemy II: Arabo-Latin Alchemy (9:55)9m
Weekly Video 4 (2015)16m
1 practice exercise
Unit 4 Quiz30m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM MAGIC IN THE MIDDLE AGES
by BWMar 23, 2018
Helpful and insightful. I try to learn as much about witchcraft and all religions as I can. The first set of videos were well lit and well read. I recommend this for anyone who wants to learn more.
by RHDec 13, 2017
Very interesting and I love that all the information is free if you don't want to pay for a professional certificate. There are still a few spelling errors but this is to be expected I suppose.
by NMJul 14, 2020
This course was really thorough and interesting. I liked how it covered a range of religions and regions and I think it's great how there are interactive assignments which judge out writing.
by KCSep 6, 2017
it was instructive and I appreciated very much this course I knew nothing about the period of the Inquisition and if there is another more in depth course on the subject I will register
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
- The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
- The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
