HIS-10041 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This exciting module offers a wide-ranging introduction to Medieval Europe (c.1000-1300) in terms of its relationship with the wider known world. This was a time of tremendous social, political, religious, economic and intellectual transformation -a time, according to many historians, when European civilisation was created and shaped both by peaceful and violent contact with the Islamic, Scandinavian, Byzantine and Mongol worlds. You will study the creation of new political entities and institutions, increasing urbanisation and expanding trade, and the extension of Christianity to the peripheries. The development of a European identity, however, had grave implications for those living on the margins or who were deemed to be outsiders and you will also explore the increasing persecution of heretics, Jews and others through the development of institutions such as the Inquisition and violent encounters during the crusades.
No previous knowledge of medieval Europe is assumed and you will be encouraged to reflect on how historical developments can cast light on current problems and dilemmas.

The module looks to introduce first-year students to the study of the most significant political, economic, social and religious developments in European history of the eleventh to thirteenth centuries in the context of the wider known world, in order to advance student's historical knowledge by enabling them to assess the balance between change and continuity, and to relate detailed evidence and case studies to more general issues, as well as to make critical evaluations of different historical explanations.

Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate they have acquired a broad understanding the most significant political, economic, social and religious developments in European history of the eleventh to thirteenth centuries in the context of the wider known world: 1,2
make critical evaluations of different historical explanations: 1,2
demonstrate skills in reading effectively, note-taking from lectures and reading material, and essay writing: 1,2
assess the balance between change and continuity, and to relate detailed evidence and case studies to more general issues: 1,2

Study hours

12 lectures, 12 seminars, 12 workshops, 30 hours seminar preparation and lecture consolidation, 37 hours commentary preparation and 47 hours essay preparation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment