Introduction to Medieval Europe 2 (U03749)

? Credit Points : 40 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : HCA-2-IME

This course provides an introduction to the history of medieval Europe, from 950-1450. This 500-year period is crucial in understanding the formation, growth and identity of Europe. Key themes run through the two semesters: the pursuit and exercise of power, the bonds of society, religion and belief, and landscape and the environment. The first semester focuses on the period 950-1200, the central Middle Ages. It is a period in which the political framework of Europe emerges, based around cities, kingdoms and empires, with the papacy becoming an international force. Christianity undergoes an intense period of religious reform and revival, which included the creation of new monastic orders and the take-off of the crusading movement. Key intellectual and cultural changes were manifested in the rise of the universities, gothic architecture, and increasing church influence on the areas of sex and marriage. The second semester considers the history of later medieval Europe (1200-1450). This is a period of extreme contrasts, boom and bust. The thirteenth century was an age of expanding population, of shifting frontiers and an ascendant Christendom: continuing crusades, great cathedral building and a papacy at the height of its powers. In contrast the fourteenth century is well known for the great famine, the Black Death and recurring plague epidemics, the beginning of the Hundred Years War, popular unrest in towns and countryside and the papal schism. But it is also a period of renewal and development, which culminates in the Italian Renaissance. So is this the autumn of the Middle Ages, a period of decay and decline, or the beginnings of the modern world? Does Europe in 1450 look a very different place from the Europe of 950? And, if so, how different is it from the Europe of 500 years or so later?

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A pass in any first level course.

Variants

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

Introduction to Medieval Europe 2 (VS1) (Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2))
Introduction to Medieval Europe 2 (VS2) (Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4))

Subject Areas

Home subject area

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

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 2nd year

? Delivery Period : Full Year (Blocks 1-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 22 weeks

? Other Required Attendance : 1 hour(s) per week for 2 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
18/09/2007	10:00	10:50	Lecture Theatre C, David Hume Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	10:00	10:50	Central
Lecture	Thursday	10:00	10:50	Central
Lecture	Friday	10:00	10:50	Central

? Additional Class Information : The Friday slot will consist of a varied programme of events rather than a regular lecture.
The tutorial hour will be time-tabled at the start of the course according to student availability.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course it is intended that students will be able to:
demonstrate understanding of the key concepts of medieval history, specifically medieval European society and the changes that took place over the period 950-1450, by way of essay and examination;
demonstrate skill in research and writing by producing a sound and competent essay;
demonstrate, by way of critical source analysis, an awareness of the nature and use of historical evidence;
present evaluations and conclusions clearly in both written and oral form;
evaluate the work of others, including peers;
manage independently ones personal timetable, workload and other priorities in order to meet established deadlines.