Multi-Media Scripture

This course explores different examples of non-Christian representations in medieval Europe and during the initial global expansion of colonial powers across the world after c. 1500. Medieval and early modern Christian Europeans depicted other peoples in manuscripts and early books for different reasons, ranging from anthropological aims to, more commonly, the deep desire for proselytization and their subjugation for economic and geopolitical reasons. Decorated manuscripts and early books have been overlooked media with incredible potential to shed light on medieval and early modern mindsets and social processes regarding the turbulent confluence of religions, races, and colonialism during this age. Their messages have clear and important implications today.