Calvin - Histoire et réception d'une Réforme from Coursera

Course in French with English subtitles --

Ce cours introduit à la vie et à la pensée du réformateur Jean Calvin (1509-1564) ainsi qu’à son influence sur le monde moderne et contemporain. La démarche proposée se veut critique, il ne s’agit ni de canoniser ni de condamner Calvin, mais de comprendre sa pensée avec toute la distance requise et d’en analyser les enjeux.

Au cours de la première semaine, nous explorerons les principales étapes de la vie de Calvin. Les semaines 2 et 3 seront consacrées à l’étude de sa pensée théologique et de son éthique. Enfin, lors des semaines 4 et 5, nous nous interrogerons sur la diffusion du calvinisme dans le monde et la pertinence actuelle de la pensée de Calvin.

This course is an introduction to the life and thought of the reformer John Calvin (1509-1564) and to his influence on the modern and contemporary world. The approach we develop is critical: we intend neither to canonize nor to condemn Calvin or his thought. Our goal, rather, is to avoid any rash evaluation in order to understand his thought and analyze the issues at stake in it.

During five weeks, we will explore together the life and work of the Reformer. During the first week, we will study the main aspects of Calvin’s life. Weeks 2 and 3 will focus on his theology and his ethics. During the last two weeks (weeks 4 and 5), we will ponder how Calvinism became a worldwide phenomenon and ask ourselves what kind of relevance Calvin’s thought may still have today.

What's inside

Syllabus

La vie de Calvin - Calvin's life

Bienvenue dans cette première semaine de cours ! Après avoir défini le concept de réforme comme idéal de retour à un passé meilleur, et avoir situé d’une part les mouvements réformateurs en Europe (Luther, Zwingli, le réformisme français), d’autre part la Réforme à Genève, nous allons faire connaissance de Calvin: sa formation, son premier séjour à Genève (1536-1538), son étape strasbourgeoise (1538-1541), enfin l’établissement à Genève (de 1541 à sa mort en 1564). Nous verrons comment Calvin entend y construire la Réforme, grâce à des instruments institutionnels propres: le Consistoire, la Compagnie des pasteurs, l’Académie notamment. L’affaire Servet (du nom du médecin espagnol condamné à mort à Genève en 1553) fera l’objet d’une séquence entière, tout comme la période 1555-1564, la seule dont on puisse légitimement parler comme de la «Genève de Calvin». Cette première semaine devra permettre de faire le point sur le contexte historique et d’initier les étudiant-e-s à la biographie de Calvin. A la fin de cette semaine, les étudiant-e-s devraient connaître les grandes étapes de sa vie et être capables de situer Calvin au sein des mouvements de réforme du 16e siècle. Welcome in this first module of the course! After defining the concept of reform, looking at it as the ideal of a return to a (purer) past, we will attempt to provide a map of various reformatory movements in continental Europe (Luther, Zwingli, French reformatory movements). Only then will we begin focusing on the reformation in Geneva and the personality of John Calvin. We will consider his education, his first stay in Geneva (1536-1538), his years in Strasbourg (1538-1541) and his long activity, during the rest of his life, in Geneva (1541 until his death in 1564). We will see how Calvin sought to establish a reformation, through new institutional bodies, especially the Consistory (Consistoire), the Compagnie des pasteurs and the Academy. The Servetus case (Servetus was a Spanish doctor and intellectual who was executed as a heretic in Geneva in 1553) will be studied, as will be the final decade of Calvin's life, during which Geneva became "Calvin's Geneva". The goal of this first module is to introduce you to the historical context and to provide basic information about Calvin's biography. At the end of this module, you will have a good sens of the main stages of his life and you will be able to locate Calvin among other reformatory movements of the 16th century.

Calvinism spread internationally very rapidly and in quite diverse ways, first in Europe and then, in the course of time, on all continents. It is important to distinguish two aspects of this spread: the impact of Calvin's ideas on the Churches, on Christianity, on the one hand, and on the other the more diffuse influence of Calvin's ideas (or of ideas which claim to come from him) in all kinds of areas of our world (the arts, philosophy, culture, and so forth). The main objective of module 3 is to present a broad spectrum of the Calvinist (or Calvinian) legacy, from 1564 onwards, in Europe and beyond.

Dans ce cinquième et dernier module, diverses personnalités ont été invitées à s’exprimer. Elles ont été choisies en fonction de leur compétence et de leur provenance. Dans le cadre imparti, carte blanche leur est laissée d’exprimer un avis, parfois surprenant, sur l’héritage de Calvin aujourd’hui. Seront notamment proposées une séquence sur la légende noire de Calvin (n° 2), sur le programme du Monument international de la Réformation de Genève (n° 3), sur l’empreinte qui demeure, ou non, de Calvin à Genève (n° 4, par le prof. Selderhuis, l’un des plus grands connaisseurs de Calvin aujourd’hui), ou sur le calvinisme dans diverses aires culturelles (n° 5 à 8). Trois bilans personnels seront également proposés (n° 9 à 11), ainsi qu’une conclusion générale (n° 12).Notre dernière semaine a pour objectif à la fois de conclure le parcours proposé et d’ouvrir vers d’autres horizons culturels et géographiques. A la fin du cours, l’étudiant-e devrait mesurer la diversité de l’héritage calvinien.

In this fifth and last module, various personalities have been invited to speak. They were chosen in relation to their expertise and personal background. Each was invited to speak freely, to express an opinion on the relevance of Calvin's legacy today. Among the topics under discussion are the longstanding view of Calvin as a dictator, the Wall of the Reformation in Geneva, the impact of Calvin on today's city of Geneva (with special guest prof. Herman Selderhuis, a world-renowned expert on Calvin) and on various areas of culture. The main objective of this module, in conclusion of the entire course and as a way to open things up towards other cultural and geographical horizons, is to convey a sense of both the variety of opinions which may be expressed on Calvin and the breadth of Calvin's legacy.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Adapts to different styles of learning with multi-modal approach that includes videos, readings, and discussions

Offers a robust examination of the life, thought, and influence of John Calvin, including his role in the Reformation

Taught by respected and published scholars in the field, including François Dermange and Michel Grandjean

Emphasizes critical thinking and analysis, avoiding both hagiography and condemnation of Calvin

Introduces foundational information about Calvin's life and the historical context of his work

Provides a thorough examination of Calvin's theology, focusing on key concepts such as election and the reconciliation of God

Reviews summary

Analyse approfondie de jean calvin

Selon les étudiants, ce cours offre une analyse très complète et nuancée de la vie, de la pensée et de l'influence de Jean Calvin. Le contenu est jugé riche et bien documenté, couvrant l'histoire, la théologie, l'éthique et la réception du calvinisme. Les professeurs sont reconnus pour leur expertise et leur clarté. Cependant, certains apprenants trouvent que la partie théologique est dense, ce qui peut rendre le cours difficile pour les débutants complets n'ayant pas de base préalable. La structure est académique et traditionnelle, avec des vidéos parfois longues, et pourrait manquer d'interactivité pour certains. Les sous-titres anglais sont considérés comme un atout majeur.

Structure classique avec moins d'interactivité.

"Le contenu est intéressant mais les vidéos sont parfois un peu longues et le format académique est assez traditionnel. J'aurais aimé plus d'interactivité."

Aide à la compréhension pour les non-francophones.

"Les sous-titres anglais sont un plus indéniable."

"Les sous-titres anglais étaient corrects. Utile pour comprendre le contexte historique."

Le professeur maîtrise et transmet bien son sujet.

"Le professeur est passionnant et très clair."

"Le prof maîtrise son sujet et le transmet bien. Un must pour qui s'intéresse à la Réforme."

Le cours couvre tous les aspects clés du sujet.

"Excellent cours, très complet et bien structuré."

"Une analyse fine et nuancée de Calvin, loin des clichés."

"Bon cours, bien documenté. J'ai appris beaucoup de choses."

"Le cours couvre bien tous les aspects, de la vie à la réception. La dernière semaine avec les intervenants était très pertinente."

Certains sujets sont ardus sans base préalable.

"La partie théologie est un peu dense pour un débutant comme moi."

"Certains aspects théologiques étaient ardus à saisir sans base solide."

"Trop académique, pas très engageant. Difficile à suivre pour quelqu'un qui n'est pas déjà familier avec la théologie."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Calvin - Histoire et réception d'une Réforme with these activities:

Practice French Vocabulary

Show steps

Expand your French vocabulary through repetitive exercises.

Browse courses on French Vocabulary

Show steps

Use flashcards to memorize new words
Practice writing sentences using new words
Play language-learning games to reinforce vocabulary

Review Basic French Grammar

Show steps

Review the basics of French grammar to strengthen your foundation in the language.

Browse courses on French Grammar

Show steps

Review the parts of speech
Practice forming simple sentences
Review the use of articles and prepositions

Participate in French Language Exchange

Show steps

Engage with native French speakers to practice your language skills and improve your fluency.

Show steps

Find a language partner through online platforms or local meetups
Set up regular meetings to practice speaking and listening
Take turns providing feedback and corrections

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Compile a Collection of Resources on Calvinism

Show steps

Expand your knowledge of Calvinism by gathering and organizing a comprehensive collection of resources.

Browse courses on Calvinism

Show steps

Conduct research to identify relevant articles, books, and websites
Organize the resources into a structured format, such as a website or annotated bibliography
Share your compilation with peers or the wider community

Read 'Candide' by Voltaire

Show steps

Gain insights into the life and thought of John Calvin by reading a work that explores themes of free will, determinism, and the nature of good and evil.

Show steps

Read the book attentively, taking notes on key themes and ideas
Reflect on how the themes in the book relate to Calvin's teachings
Write a short essay or participate in a discussion forum to share your insights

Develop a Presentation on Calvin's Influence

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of Calvin's impact by researching and presenting on his contributions to theology, ethics, and society.

Browse courses on Calvinism

Show steps

Research Calvin's life, teachings, and influence
Organize your findings into a coherent presentation
Create visual aids and supporting materials to enhance your presentation
Present your findings to your peers or in a public forum

Career center

Learners who complete Calvin - Histoire et réception d'une Réforme will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Theology Professor

Theology professors teach and research the academic discipline of theology. They examine religious beliefs and practices, study religious texts and traditions, and explore the relationship between religion and society. Most theology professors need a PhD in theology or a related field, and this course may be a useful foundation for pursuing an advanced degree.

See salaries and explore the career path for Theology Professor

Religious Studies Professor

Religious studies professors teach and research the academic discipline of religious studies. They examine religious beliefs and practices, study religious texts and traditions, and explore the relationship between religion and society. Most religious studies professors need a PhD in religious studies or a related field, and this course may be a useful foundation for pursuing an advanced degree.

See salaries and explore the career path for Religious Studies Professor

Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. They use a variety of sources to learn about past events, including documents, artifacts, and oral histories. Most historians need a master's degree in history or a related field, and this course may be useful in helping to prepare for this degree.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Archivist

Archivists preserve, organize, and provide access to historical documents and records. They may work in a variety of settings, including libraries, museums, and government agencies. Most archivists need a master's degree in library science or a related field, and this course may be useful in helping to prepare for this degree.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Museum curator

Museum curators plan and manage museum exhibitions. They may also conduct research, write articles and books, and give lectures. Most museum curators need a master's degree in museum studies or a related field, and this course may be useful in helping to prepare for this degree.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Minister

Ministers are religious leaders who conduct religious services and perform other spiritual duties for a congregation and community. They may lead worship services, deliver sermons, officiate at weddings and funerals, and provide counseling and spiritual guidance to members of their congregation. Pastors typically need a master's degree in divinity or a related field, and this course may be useful in helping to prepare for this degree.

See salaries and explore the career path for Minister

Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. They may work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries. Most librarians need a master's degree in library science or a related field, and this course may be useful in helping to prepare for this degree.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including fiction, non-fiction, journalism, and marketing. Most writers need a bachelor's degree in English or a related field, and this course may be useful in helping to develop the critical thinking and writing skills needed for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for a variety of organizations, including newspapers, magazines, and television stations. Most journalists need a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field, and this course may be useful in helping to develop the critical thinking and writing skills needed for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Management Consultant

Management consultants help organizations improve their performance. They may analyze business processes, develop and implement new strategies, and provide training to employees. Most management consultants need a master's degree in business or a related field, and this course may be useful in helping to prepare for this degree.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. They may develop and implement public relations campaigns, write press releases, and organize events. Most public relations specialists need a bachelor's degree in public relations or a related field, and this course may be useful in helping to develop the critical thinking and writing skills needed for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They may conduct market research, develop advertising campaigns, and manage social media accounts. Most marketing managers need a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field, and this course may be useful in helping to develop the critical thinking and writing skills needed for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sales managers oversee sales teams and develop sales strategies. They may also manage customer relationships and provide training to sales staff. Most sales managers need a bachelor's degree in business or a related field, and this course may be useful in helping to develop the critical thinking and communication skills needed for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Business Analyst

Business analysts analyze business processes and identify areas for improvement. They may develop and implement new systems and procedures to improve efficiency and profitability. Most business analysts need a bachelor's degree in business or a related field, and this course may be useful in helping to develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Editor

Editors review, revise, and prepare written content for publication. They may work for a variety of organizations, including publishing houses, magazines, and newspapers. Most editors need a bachelor's degree in English or a related field, and this course may be useful in helping to develop the critical thinking and writing skills needed for this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor