History 309
Spring, 2004
First Paper

The first paper is an analytical paper of about four pages, drawing on the course readings through March 2. For purposes of clarification, I'm including a brief summary of those readings:

Colloquies: Critique of certain aspects of late medieval piety; exploration of the intersection between pagan and Christian truth

Tracy: Exploration of the road to the breakup of Christendom in the 16th century. Turning points, balance between political, social, doctrinal factors.

Strauss, Fasolt: Discussions of medieval traditions of reform prior to the break in the 16th century.

Augustijn: Discussion of the life and significance of Erasmus in his historical context, including the various competing approaches to theology and scholarship.

Annotations: Demonstration of Erasmus's philological and exegetical method.

Samples from Imitation of Christ, Duns Scotus, Luther's letter on indulgences.

Okay, here are some questions you might address:

  1. Do an analysis of Erasmus's critique of late medieval piety in several of the Colloquies, taking into account background material on his intellectual development and significance in early sixteenth-century intellectual history.
  2. How does Tracy explain the breakdown of religious unity in sixteenth-century Europe? What are the major contributing factors and turning points?
  3. In what ways are the events of the Reformation in continuity with the later Middle Ages? Does the Reformation represent a qualitative break with the traditions of the past? Why or why not?
  4. Devise a question of your own.

Good luck! It's due March 4, and we won't have class on that day.

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