Undergraduate Course: Introduction to Medieval Europe 2 (HIST08018)
Course Outline
| School |
School of History, Classics and Archaeology |
College |
College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Credits |
40 |
| Home subject area |
History |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
None
|
Taught in Gaelic? |
No |
| Course description |
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 |
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Co-requisites |
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| Prohibited Combinations |
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Other requirements |
A pass in any first level course.
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| Additional Costs |
None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites |
Visiting students should usually have at least 1 introductory level History. course at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this) for entry to this course. We will only consider University/College level courses.
|
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
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. |
Assessment Information
1) One essay per semester (25%)
2) Tutorial work (oral assessment) (10%)
3) One source criticism per semester (15%)
End of year exam (50%). |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords |
Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr Andrew Brown
Tel: (0131 6)50 3764
Email: Andrew.D.Brown@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Miss Clare Guymer
Tel: (0131 6)50 4030
Email: clare.guymer@ed.ac.uk |
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