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Lecturer(s)
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Solomon Kristýna, doc. Mgr. Ph.D.
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Course content
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The Devil in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period The lecture "The Devil in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period" presents the medieval devil as a diverse and multifaceted figure - from the embodiment of threat and evil, a demonic seducer, and a tool of deterrence or education, to a liar, a chronic loser, or a comic character. Since his main earthly activity consisted of seducing humanity, attention is paid to stable thematic areas (topoi), such as the devil's proximity to sexuality and secret knowledge, his inspirational abilities, or his changing of masks and adaptability. The lecture series provides an overview of the various faces of the Devil (or generally demonic entities in the plural), which constituted an unquestionable reality for medieval humans, with a direct impact on daily life. The thematic blocks include questions of theodicy and the personalization of evil, the actions of the Devil in the Old and New Testaments, conceptions of the afterlife, and the topography of hell. It traces the process of synthesis between these concepts and the traits of pagan deities, which led to the medieval conception of the Devil and culminated in widespread belief in demons and the witch trials of the Early Modern Period. The analysis focuses on the differentiated portrayal of the Devil and his manifestations in various vernacular literary genres of the period (e.g., in the legends of St. Anthony and Theophilus, mystical visionary literature, religious drama, or chapbooks about Faust).
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Lecture, Work with Text (with Book, Textbook)
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Learning outcomes
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The lecture "The Devil in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period" presents the medieval devil as a diverse and multifaceted figure - from the embodiment of threat and evil, a demonic seducer, and a tool of deterrence or education, to a liar, a chronic loser, or a comic character. Since his main earthly activity consisted of seducing humanity, attention is paid to stable thematic areas (topoi), such as the devil's proximity to sexuality and secret knowledge, his inspirational abilities, or his changing of masks and adaptability.
Upon completing the lecture series, students will acquire a comprehensive overview of the development of the concept of the Devil and demonic entities in European thought and culture from the Middle Ages to the Early Modern Period. They will demonstrate the ability to analyze literary and theological texts of the period from a scholarly perspective, focusing on the transformations in the portrayal of evil and its social functions. Students will be able to critically reflect on the historical connections between religious beliefs, popular culture, and social phenomena such as witch trials. They will develop the skill to interpret historical topoi and examine period mentalities within a broader literary and cultural-historical context.
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Prerequisites
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This course is intended for students in German studies programs as well as other interested students at Palacký University. Knowledge of German at approximately the B1-B2 level is required.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Mark, Written exam, Student performance
The series of lectures will be completed with a written exam.
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Recommended literature
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(2020). Der Teufel und seine poietische Macht in literarischen Texten vom Mittelalter zur Moderne. Berlin / Boston.
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NODL, Martin. (2015). Středověk v nás. Praha.
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SIMEK, Rudolf. (2023). Dämonen, Teufel, Hexenglaube: Böse Geister im europäischen Mittelalter. Wien / Köln.
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