This course will examine the Reformations of Christianity between 1400 and 1700, initially in Western Europe but in time across the globe. It aims to provide comprehensive geographic, chronological, and thematic coverage. We will learn about the intricacies of theological issues, about the violence of politico-religious conflict, and about the influence (or not) of the Reformations on the day-to-day life of ordinary people.
This course will be synchronous and in-person. Attendance is expected, because class meetings will focus on discussing readings and integrating perspectives from those readings and from past courses. Readings will be a mix of primary sources/historical documents and secondary sources/scholars' interpretations.
At its core, the course will answer questions like: Why did they care so much about religion? Why were some willing to kill or die for what seem to us like small religious differences? Do the Reformations of Christianity have any significance today?