Exploring Gothic Architecture & Medieval Life
Explore the architectural brilliance and cultural significance of Gothic cathedrals while examining medieval engineering achievements.
Explore the architectural brilliance and cultural significance of Gothic cathedrals while examining medieval engineering achievements.
Embark on a fascinating journey through the Age of Cathedrals with this Yale University course. Led by Professor Howard Bloch, this course explores the architectural marvels of Gothic cathedrals and their profound impact on medieval society. You'll study the innovative engineering techniques that allowed for soaring spires and expansive stained glass windows, while also delving into the art, literature, and intellectual life that flourished in the shadow of these magnificent structures. From the first Gothic cathedral at Saint-Denis to the iconic Notre-Dame de Paris and Chartres, you'll examine the intricate details of their construction and decoration. The course also covers the broader historical context, including the Crusades, the rise of universities, and the lives of influential figures like Abbot Suger and Saint Louis. Perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone curious about the Middle Ages, this course offers a comprehensive look at a pivotal era in European civilization.
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English
हिन्दी, پښتو, Русский, 15 more
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What you'll learn
Understand the architectural innovations of Gothic cathedrals
Analyze the symbolism and narratives in cathedral sculpture and stained glass
Explore the economic and social factors that enabled cathedral construction
Examine the relationship between cathedrals and the growth of medieval cities
Investigate the intellectual climate of the 12th and 13th centuries
Understand the role of relics and pilgrimage in medieval Christian culture
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
1.5 Hours PreRecorded video
4 assignments
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There are 9 modules in this course
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of Gothic cathedrals and their cultural context in medieval Europe. It begins with the birth of Gothic architecture at Saint-Denis and traces its development through major cathedrals like Notre-Dame de Paris and Chartres. The curriculum covers architectural innovations such as ribbed vaults and flying buttresses, as well as the intricate sculptural programs and stained glass windows that adorn these structures. Beyond architecture, the course delves into the intellectual and social life of the period, including the rise of universities, the influence of the Crusades, and the development of urban culture. Students will examine primary texts from figures like Abbot Suger and Peter Abelard, and explore literary works such as "The Song of Roland". The course also addresses the economic aspects of cathedral building, the role of relics, and the intersection of royal and religious power, culminating in a study of Saint Louis and the Sainte-Chapelle. Throughout, the course emphasizes the cathedrals' role as a synthesis of medieval art, spirituality, and social dynamics.
Introduction & Saint-Denis I
Module 1 · 46 Minutes to complete
Saint-Denis
Module 2 · 3 Hours to complete
Architectural Innovation
Module 3 · 1 Hours to complete
Notre Dame de Paris
Module 4 · 3 Hours to complete
Our Lady of Chartres
Module 6 · 1 Hours to complete
Cathedrals and Crusades
Module 7 · 2 Hours to complete
Saints and Kings
Module 8 · 2 Hours to complete
Conclusion
Module 9 · 16 Minutes to complete
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Instructor
Sterling Professor of French
Prof. Howard Bloch is the Sterling Professor of French at Yale University. His work spans medieval literature, social history, legal and political institutions, gender, and the origins of Western romantic love. Bloch holds a medal from the Collège de France, is an officer in the Order of Arts and Letters, and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society.
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