Representing the past in the twelfth century (U03693)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-3-RTP

The course will look at representations of the past using a variety of different media including visual and written. In particular, use will be made of primary source materials and the relative merits of chronicles, hagiography, and annals by, for example, William of Malmesbury, Orderic Vitalis and Henry of Huntingdon, will be assessed. It will examine contemporary attitudes towards representations of the past and think about the ways in which these are constructed and shaped. Comparisons will also be drawn with modern representations of this period through, for example, film. Key themes that will be considered include succession issues, queenship, the Norman Conquest (1066) and the crusades. This knowledge will then be used alongside recent historiographical approaches including nationalism and national identity, gender and the role of memory. Discussion will focus on the impact of these historiographical approaches in relation to representations and constructions of the past.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A pass in any first level historical course or equivalent and any second level historical course or equivalent. Before enrolling on this course, Directors are asked to contact the History Honours Admissions Secretary to ensure that a place is available (tel. 50 3783).

Variants

? This course has variants for part year visiting students, as follows

Representing the past in the twelfth century (VS1) (Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2))

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
24/09/2007	11:10	13:00	Room 3.332, Adam Ferguson Building	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the course successfully will be able by the end of the course to demonstrate in written examination and course work as well as in class discussion:

- an understanding of the ways and means in which the past can be constructed and shaped through a variety of different media, with a specific focus on twelfth century Europe;
- an ability to analyse primary texts, evaluating the arguments and locating them historically.
- an awareness of the nature of history as argument through a critical examination of the historiography.

Students will also demonstrate that they can:

- gather material independently on a given topic and organise it coherently in both written and oral form;
- evaluate different approaches to and explanations of materials, make critical choices between them and reach a conclusion in both written and oral form;
- express clearly ideas and arguments, both orally and in writing;
- organise their own learning, manage their workload and other priorities in order to meet established deadlines.

Assessment Information

One 3000 word essay and one two-hour examination. The essay will make up one-third of the final assessment, the exam will be worth two-thirds of the final assessment.