The dazzling production of art and architecture from between 1000 to 1200 was to a large extent the achievement of monastic workshops. At that time, monasteries were the strong-arm of a Church reform promoted by the papacy. Especially the ecclesia of Cluny, with the motherhouse in Burgundy (France) and affiliated houses all over the medieval western world, provided a reform environment that was at once stable and “international”. This course will relate architecture, sculpture and illuminated manuscripts produced within the monastic context to literary traditions, such as (translated) hagiographies, miracle stories and statutes. While the course will concentrate on the question of monastic identity as reflected in visual and literary culture, other issues to be considered are the impact of Islam on western monasticism, the importance of pilgrimage, and the role of women as nuns within this reform movement. Estimated cost of materials: $50 or more, but less than $100. IV. 2.