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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Magic in the Middle Ages by Universitat de Barcelona

4.6
stars
1,697 ratings

About the Course

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. At the end of the course, the students: a) will have overcome the usual prejudices about the Middle Ages, b) will be able to analyze historical documentation from the Middle Ages and recognize the most common patterns of juridical documents regarding witchcraft, and c) will be capable of distinguishing between popular magic and the magic of the learned people; will have a notion of which spiritual practices were allowed in medieval Europe and which ones were related to the devil, and will be aware of the link between a cultural product and the society that produced it. This course is taught in English, although subtitles in English, Catalan and Spanish will also be provided. COURSE SYLLABUS Week 1. Introduction to medieval magic (Pau Castell). Week 2. Magic & Heresy (Delfi I. Nieto-Isabel). Week 3. From Magic to Witchcraft (Pau Castell). Week 4. Magic in Islam (Godefroid de Callataÿ and Sébastien Moureau). Week 5. Astrology & Geomancy (Theo Loinaz, Delfi I. Nieto-Isabel, Godefroid de Callataÿ and Blanca Villuendas). © Gemma Pellissa Prades (coord.), Delfi I. Nieto-Isabel and Joana Palau Mumany Magic in the Middle Ages by Gemma Pellissa Prades (coord.), Delfi I. Nieto-Isabel and Joana Palau Mumany is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License....

Top reviews

BW

Mar 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.

NM

Jul 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.

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176 - 200 of 553 Reviews for Magic in the Middle Ages

By Faris K

Nov 12, 2017

Really interesting course indeed. I'm also pleased to have gained a certificate from the University of Barcelona. Well done all!

By Sandra S C

Oct 24, 2022

Me pareció un curso muy completo, abarcando temáticas súper interesantes y que amplió totalmente mi concepción de la Edad Media

By Adriana O

Mar 17, 2021

Very interesting course; the facilitators were very knowledgeable and explained the content very clearly. Loved the music, too!

By Warren P

Mar 5, 2019

Really interesting and colourful course. I particularly enjoyed the part about the influence of middle eastern magic on Europe.

By Angelina W

Dec 21, 2016

An excellent class with great historical references. The written assignments really coalesce the information in the lectures.

By ZAMORA M M S

Jun 28, 2020

Es un curso que me pareció sumamente interesante. Los docentes con gran conocimiento y expertis en los temas que presentaron.

By Louisa A C R

Jul 1, 2024

This course was a very nice overview of the different thoughts around magic and magical belief/practice in medieval Europe!

By Kate S

Dec 11, 2017

Excellent information and delivery--in fact, I went through it twice! One of the best courses on Coursera that I've taken!

By Deleted A

Oct 22, 2016

I love the instructors. They have so much information and teach in an enjoyable manner. I can't wait for the next course.

By Tivani Y

Apr 25, 2023

this is very complex but good course, i really like the explanation but the assignment was took so long time to complete

By Sandra M

Mar 11, 2023

Rich in key information about the Catholic Church and the Arab role in transmitting texts from the fallen Roman Empire

By Christian L

May 10, 2020

A very interesting topic. I feel I have learned a lot from the relatively small time investment I put into the course.

By hatim h

Dec 22, 2019

One of the most beautiful courses is the explanation is simple and easy, as the topics presented are very interesting

By Sarah H

Sep 12, 2019

An awesome, interesting course. I learned a lot, especially about what really happened with the Spanish Inquisition.

By Giuseppe C

Jul 29, 2020

E' un Corso che riesce a delineare esaustivamente tutti gli aspetti fondamentali della Magia nell'Europa medievale.

By Sofia E

Apr 26, 2020

Um curso bem estruturado, feito por profissionais excelentes... Fico feliz por ter escolhido ele, aprendi demais!!!

By Alyona S

May 12, 2021

Great course! Its was a big pleasure to discover this rare topic on Coursera and dig into this world of old magic.

By Sandra C

Apr 16, 2021

Very informative and exciting to learn about. The history component throughout many civilizations was impressive.

By Eren Y

Jul 7, 2020

It's a very well informative course and really gives you an opportunity to look at today in a different window.

By Leandro A d S

May 13, 2018

I loved it! Great course for someone that, like me, does not have a comprehensive understanding on the subject.

By Rena W

Jan 24, 2017

This was an interesting course, not what I expected at all. I would recommend this class to anyone interested.

By Andrii K

Aug 20, 2020

Very interisting course. I discovered a new knowledge about Middle Ages. Thanks authtors for this opportunity.

By Nathalie

Apr 11, 2020

Super Interesting and full of information. Allows you to do the work at your own pace. Would highly recommend.

By Ricardo R

Nov 24, 2016

I really liked it, an interesting subject with an easy way to learn.

I learned a lot and enjoyed the lessons.

By Emily M

Jun 26, 2017

Very well done course, very thought-provoking. I'd love to see follow ups with more in-depth information!