Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - HUM 305 B100

Medieval Studies (4)

Icons,Devotion&Destruction

Class Number: 6139

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Detailed interdisciplinary analysis of a selected topic, issue, or figure in the Middle Ages. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is taught. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Icons, Devotion and Destruction

Golden haloes, piercing eyes, and gestures of blessing characterize the icons of the medieval Eastern Roman Empire, also known as Byzantium. But what were icons, and why do they matter? More than just beautiful works of art, icons were objects of power. They sparked public controversies, elicited prayers and devotion, and facilitated supernatural encounters. Icons also spread well beyond the borders of the Eastern Roman Empire, influencing the cultures of Kyivan Rus' (and later Russia), Norman Sicily, and even the Italian Renaissance.

This course offers a deep dive into the world of Byzantine icons. We will explore the origins of icons, their long history, and their varied subject matter and meanings. We will consider aspects of their production, including patronage, artistic styles, and media such as paint, mosaics, metalwork, and more. We will examine historical functions of icons, asking “how was this used?” We will also study how icons were theorized, why they caused debates and controversies, as well as how they have been received and used in the modern world.

Each week, students will rigorously engage with assigned primary source readings, secondary scholarly literature, as well as reproductions of icons. Students will share initial thoughts and questions in weekly online discussion board posts. Class sessions will combine lectures from the instructor with student group presentations on assigned readings and visual material, as well as student-led discussions and other student-led activities. For the research project, students will pick one icon to research in depth and will present their findings through a research paper or digital humanities project.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Recognize and describe Byzantine icons and other artworks influenced by them 
  • Compare, analyze, and interpret icons’ formal characteristics, subject matter, and historical functions

Grading

  • Weekly discussion board posts 20%
  • Class attendance and participation 20%
  • Group presentations on readings and facilitation activities 30%
  • Research project 30%

NOTES:

This course fulfills the Global Humanities requirements for the  

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

This course utilizes open educational resources and other materials that the instructor will make available to students at zero cost. Students will also be required to access some assigned readings and research materials from SFU libraries and online. 

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.