RAHS2605

This course is co-taught by Kate Baruch and Christopher Renz. Illuminated Manuscripts from the Book of Kells to the St. John's Bible This course will explore the history of western illuminated manuscripts from the birth of the codex to filmic interpretations such as the Secret of Kells. We will consider technique, iconography, religious art as a visual hermeneutic, and artmaking as a form of meditative pilgrimage in the context of the medieval scriptorium and beyond. Texts such as Image on the Edge, Blake: Prophet Against Empire, and Illuminating Justice: The Ethical Imagination of the St John's Bible will provide a lens into discussions of the long history of medieval marginalia and modern illuminations as a powerful social commentary and as a platform for activism and advocacy. Students will have the opportunity to study objects in person during several museum and archive visits, as well as gain familiarity with digital manuscript resources. Assessment based on a final research paper and mid-term proposal, participation, and reflection papers. Intended audience: MA, M.Div., Ph.D.

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