Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) is justly famous as one of the great spiritual leaders of the European Middle Ages (c.312-1500), and as a master of music composition, poetry and science, she studied nature and theology, while maintaining a successful administrative career as abbess of the Convent of Bingen in Rupertsberg, West Germany. This class will primarily examine the mystical writings of Hildegard, found in her book Scivias (“Know the Way”), and a review of her historical environment, as well as recordings of her music, her works in nature appreciation and religion. The fact that Hildegard was a woman achieving fame in a world dominated by men was never as critical a factor in her accomplishments as her pure genius, which we will investigate.
Suggested Reading: Readings will be available at: medieval. ucdavis.edu/OLLI/HILDEGARD. Registered students will be notified when posted