HIU34557: Cultures of Violence in the Reformation

- Module Coordinator:
- Dr Graeme Murdock
- Duration:
- Hilary Term
- Contact Hours:
- 2 hours per week
- Weighting:
- 10 ECTS
- Assessment:
- Two essays 40% and 60%
This module will consider the violent character and consequences of the Reformation in different European societies and in the context of early European imperialism. This will include the study of violent language in speech and print, heresy trials, cults of martyrdom, iconoclasm, the destruction of sites of worship, book-burnings, religious riots, ritual violence, pogroms, and forced exiles. We will consider violent language and behaviour not only between rival Christian communities but also towards Jewish, Muslim, and other communities. We will analyse the role of violence in pursuit of moral and social renewal through disciplinary institutions introduced during the Reformation. We will also analyse violence against women in the context of enhanced patriarchal authority during the Reformation period.