(in Polish) Relacje państwo-Kościół (średniowiecze) SzD-DH>Repako(śred)
The aim of the course “State–Church Relations in the Middle Ages” is to present undergraduate students with the complex dynamics of interaction between secular and ecclesiastical power in Europe from the early to the late Middle Ages. The course focuses on the analysis of major models structuring the relationship between Church and state, including the doctrine of the two powers (sacerdotium and regnum), the development of theocratic concepts, and imperial-papal conflicts over jurisdiction and authority.
The classes examine key historical processes such as the Investiture Controversy, the development of Christian monarchies, the political role of the papacy, and the emergence of canon law as a system regulating relations between secular and ecclesiastical institutions. Particular attention is given to the Church as a social and administrative structure and its influence on political life, education, culture, and the legal systems of medieval Europe.
An important component of the course is the analysis of historical sources, including papal documents, chronicles, normative texts, and narrative accounts, which help to reconstruct the dynamics of institutional power relations. Students learn to interpret these sources within their historical context, taking into account their legal, ideological, and propagandistic functions.
The course also situates these issues within the broader context of medieval political and religious culture, including theories of sacred kingship, political theology, and the influence of scholastic thought on the concept of the Christian state. As a result, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the Middle Ages as a period in which religious and political spheres were deeply interconnected and mutually constitutive.
|
Term 2026/2027-Z:
None |
Course coordinators
Term 2024/2025-Z: | Term 2025/2026-Z: | Term 2026/2027-Z: |
(in Polish) Tryb zajęć
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE
K_W01
The doctoral student possesses advanced knowledge of the historical development of relations between ecclesiastical and secular authorities in the Middle Ages and understands their institutional, political, legal, and religious contexts in the light of international historical scholarship.
K_W02
The doctoral student knows and understands the principal historiographical interpretations, theoretical approaches, and research methods used in the study of medieval Church–State relations, including their methodological limitations.
K_W03
The doctoral student knows and understands major developments and current research trends in medieval historiography, particularly those concerning the interaction between ecclesiastical and secular power.
SKILLS
K_U01
The doctoral student is able to critically analyse and interpret medieval historical sources, evaluate scholarly interpretations, and formulate well-supported conclusions concerning relations between ecclesiastical and secular authorities.
K_U04
The doctoral student is able to integrate historical, legal, and theological perspectives in order to formulate research questions, develop hypotheses, and investigate complex problems concerning medieval ecclesiastical and secular institutions.
K_U03
The doctoral student is able to exchange scholarly ideas, discuss competing historical interpretations, and communicate research arguments within academic discourse, including international scholarly contexts.
K_U06
The doctoral student is able to present and defend historical interpretations, engage in scholarly debate, and respond critically and constructively to alternative arguments.
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
K_K02
The doctoral student is prepared to critically evaluate historiographical interpretations and assess the strengths and limitations of their own research conclusions.
K_K03
The doctoral student recognises the importance of scholarly knowledge and specialised expertise in interpreting complex historical processes and resolving research problems.
Assessment criteria
Assessment methods: Written source-based analysis, oral presentation and seminar discussion, and critical reflection on historiographical interpretations.
Assessment criteria (100 points):
1. Historical knowledge and methodological understanding – K_W01, K_W02, K_W03 (25 points)
Accurate explanation of major historical developments and institutional relationships (10 points).
Identification and comparison of at least two relevant historiographical interpretations or methodological approaches (10 points).
Identification of relevant developments in contemporary medieval scholarship (5 points).
2. Source analysis and interdisciplinary research – K_U01, K_U04 (35 points)
Critical analysis of at least one relevant medieval primary source, considering its authorship, context, purpose, and historical reliability (15 points).
Formulation of a clearly defined research question and coherent interpretation supported by historical evidence (10 points).
Appropriate integration of historical, legal, or theological perspectives in the analysis (10 points).
3. Scholarly communication and discussion – K_U03, K_U06 (25 points)
Clear and logically structured oral presentation of a selected research problem (10 points).
Ability to defend conclusions with reference to historical evidence (10 points).
Constructive engagement with questions, alternative interpretations, and critical feedback (5 points).
4. Critical reflection and scholarly responsibility – K_K02, K_K03 (15 points)
Critical evaluation of the strengths and limitations of selected scholarly interpretations, including the student's own conclusions (10 points).
Appropriate acknowledgement of specialised scholarship and recognition of questions requiring further investigation or expert knowledge (5 points).
PASSING REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of 60 out of 100 points, including at least 50% of the points available in each assessment category, is required to pass.
The student must demonstrate independent interpretation of historical evidence, appropriate engagement with scholarly literature, and the ability to articulate and defend historical arguments.
Bibliography
|
Term 2026/2027-Z:
None |
Notes
|
Term 2026/2027-Z:
None |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: