Focus is on the rich tradition of medieval and early modern Iberian mysticism through close readings of four major figures: Ibn 'Arabi, Ramon Llull, Bernardim Ribeiro, and Santa Teresa de Avila. Students will examine how each author envisions the relation between love, knowledge, and the divine, often pushing the boundaries between Islamic, Christian, Jewish, and Greek philosophy. Special attention will be given to the role of language in articulating mystical experience and to the literary forms (lyric poetry, prose fiction, and autobiography) used to express the ineffable. Taught in Spanish.
3-5 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit · GER: WAY-A-II
Focus is on the rich tradition of medieval and early modern Iberian mysticism through close readings of four major figures: Ibn 'Arabi, Ramon Llull, Bernardim Ribeiro, and Santa Teresa de Avila. Students will examine how each author envisions the relation between love, knowledge, and the divine, often pushing the boundaries between Islamic, Christian, Jewish, and Greek philosophy. Special attention will be given to the role of language in articulating mystical experience and to the literary forms (lyric poetry, prose fiction, and autobiography) used to express the ineffable. Taught in Spanish.
Offered in Spring 2026 at Stanford University.