Unit name | Introduction to Medieval History |
---|---|
Unit code | HIST13011 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Pohl |
Open unit status | Open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of History (Historical Studies) |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This is an introduction to the history of Western Europe in the Middle Ages, including the British Isles. The main focus of the unit will be on the period between 1000 and 1300, known as the ‘high’ or ‘central’ Middle Ages, supplemented by selected examples from earlier and/or later periods. The period c.1000-1300 was one of immense variety and complexity marked by both continuity and dramatic changes. The vital significance of these changes for the long-term development of Western Europe is not always appreciated, even though they continue to shape the landscape, built environment, institutions and cultural concepts of western European society today.
Assuming no prior knowledge, this unit offers an overview of political, social, economic, religious and intellectual developments. Lectures explore (amongst other themes) the ordering of society, changing relationships between Church and State, and the Church and ordinary believers, key issues in the educational, governmental, commercial and religious ‘revolutions’ of the period, and ways in which medieval men and women understood themselves, their world and their place within it.
Aims:
2 x 1hr lectures weekly over 10 weeks plus 1 x 1hr seminar weekly over 10 weeks.
1 x 2000 word essay (formative), 1 x 2 hour exam (100%).
Abelard and Heloise, The Letters of Abelard and Heloise (Penguin Classics)
Marie de France, The Lais of Marie de France (Penguin Classics)
Internet Medieval Sourcebook: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/sbook.html
Barber, M., The Two Cities: Medieval Europe, 1050-1320 (2nd edn., London, 2004)
Bartlett, R., The Making of Europe: Conquest, Colonisation, and Cultural Change, 950-1350 (London, 1994)
Power, D., The Central Middle Ages: Europe, 950-1320 (Oxford, 2006)