Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/womens-spirituality
The course ‘A Voice of Their Own: Women’s Spirituality in the Middle Ages’ offered on Coursera provides a captivating deep dive into the often overlooked roles women played in medieval spirituality. From the mysticism of Hildegard of Bingen to the heretical movements of Marguerite Porete and the Cathar women, this MOOC sheds light on a rich historical tapestry of female religious expression. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured, beginning with an overview of medieval spirituality, then moving into the lives of nuns and their monastic communities, exploring female mysticism, dissenting voices, and diverse spiritual landscapes of the era.
What makes this course particularly engaging is its ability to contextualize women’s spiritual roles within broader societal and religious frameworks. The sections on nunneries elucidate the complex dynamics of enclosure and community life, while the mysticism and dissent modules highlight the innovative and sometimes controversial contributions women made to religious thought.
I highly recommend this course for history enthusiasts, students of religious studies, or anyone curious about gender and spirituality in history. It provides a nuanced perspective that challenges modern assumptions about women’s roles in religious history and offers inspiring stories of faith, resistance, and empowerment. Whether you’re new to medieval studies or looking to deepen your understanding, this course is a valuable and enriching resource.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/womens-spirituality