Medieval Wonders: Art, Architecture, and Tales of Pilgrimage

Course Title: Medieval Wonders: Art, Architecture, and Tales of Pilgrimage

Type of Course: Adult Education

Credit: Not credit bearing

Taught Hours: 20

Session Titles

1. Introduction to Medieval Pilgrimage

2. Routes and Relics

3. Architecture of Pilgrimage

4. Canterbury Tales: Pilgrims and Stories

5. Miracles, Saints, and Legends

6. The Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

7. Medieval Jerusalem and the Holy Land

8. Secular Pilgrimage and Tourism

9. Pilgrim Souvenirs and Medieval Commerce

10. Pilgrimage in Modern Culture

Course Overview

On this course, go on a journey into the art, architecture, and stories associated with medieval pilgrimage. Students will explore the motivations of medieval pilgrims—ranging from spiritual devotion to adventure and healing—and discover iconic pilgrimage routes such as the Camino de Santiago and Canterbury.

The course will examine how pilgrimage shaped Europe's cultural, artistic, and architectural landscape, from grand cathedrals and reliquaries to more modest chapels and roadside shrines.

Along the way, we’ll explore how relics and miracle stories attracted pilgrims, how literature such as Chaucer’s *Canterbury Tales* reflected the experience of travel and devotion, and how pilgrimage contributed to the growth of towns, trade, and artistic exchange.

We’ll look at sites like medieval Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela in depth, as well as considering secular and commercial offshoots of the pilgrimage tradition, including early forms of tourism.

Finally, we will examine how pilgrimage continues to resonate in modern culture—through revived walking routes, popular media, and contemporary spiritual practices—highlighting the enduring legacy of this deeply human experience.

Required Previous Experience (if any)

None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)

None required.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course you will be better prepared to:

• Identify key pilgrimage routes, destinations, and architectural sites from the medieval period, and explain their significance.
• Discuss the spiritual, social, and economic motivations behind medieval pilgrimage and its cultural impact across Europe.
• Explore the stories, legends, and material culture associated with pilgrimage, and reflect on how pilgrimage continues to shape contemporary culture.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group activities, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted face-to-face in a classroom setting and utilise diverse teaching methods, including presentations, multimedia resources, class discussions, and interactive activities.

These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding of the subject matter. The approach is also designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.