FYSP 077 - Sanctuaries Medieval to Modern

FC SSCI WINT

4 credits
Sanctuaries have a long history, from medieval churches providing shelter for criminals to communities helping fugitive slaves in the 19th century. Contemporary sanctuaries include wildlife centers or college campuses protecting illegal immigrants. What does it mean to provide sanctuary, in both a theoretical and practical sense? Why do people invoke it? We will examine sanctuary through history, literature, politics and spatial theory to arrive at a better understanding of the nature and limits of this powerful idea.