Course Catalog

Medieval Cathedrals: Biblical Art & Cosmic Geometry in Stone

Were the Medieval cathedrals of Europe just big churches that celebrated the power of religion during this age? If you thought so, then explore how cathedrals were also living works of art, inspired as much by medieval understanding of geometric, artistic and cosmic laws as well as biblical ones. By examining notable examples of gothic and pre-gothic architecture, and how they evolved from the 500s to the 1500s, we will understand how gothic and non-gothic cathedrals were envisioned, designed and built. Cathedrals also were designed to perform their function, as gathering places for worship and education, for preaching and for pilgrimage, within framework that reflected Medieval ideas of philosophy as well as promote a vision of a universe containing earth and heaven and all of Nature, all in one. A short primer on how to recognize and tell the difference between gothic and non-gothic cathedrals is a feature of this course!

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