Spring Quarter, 2016
B. Hidden Wisdom: Mysticism, Spiritualism, & the Occult
David Shyovitz, Assistant Professor, History
Tuesday afternoons, 12:45 – 2:45 p.m., Norris University Center
Throughout history, the notion that there exists a realm of secret knowledge or hidden wisdom that lies just beyond human grasp has motivated a wide array of intellectuals, religious seekers, scientists, and mystics. The quest for such knowledge has played a key role in the shaping of religious doctrine, the development of science and technology, and the formulation of various mystical and magical beliefs and practices. This course surveys select themes in the history of the human quest for hidden wisdom. We focus on the Western tradition, but attend throughout to the interplay between neighboring cultures, and the profound impact that interreligious and cross-cultural exchanges had on the intellectual and cultural trends. The first session anchors our discussion in the biblical and classical periods. The next four classes take us to the end of the Middle Ages. The final four classes trace developments from the Renaissance through the present.