European Society and the Medieval Mind 1200-1500

Cod y Modiwl: HY35820
Teitl y Modiwl: European Society and the Medieval Mind 1200-1500
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2026/2027
Semester: Semester 1
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Dr Rhun Emlyn
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Anghymharus (Unrhyw Flwyddyn Acad): HY25820
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu: Dr Yi Li

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	Essay: 2000 Words	50%
Asesiad Semester	Open exam: 2000 Words	50%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Open exam: 2000 Words	50%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Essay: 2000 Words	50%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

Demonstrate a detailed and sophisticated understanding of the medieval view of the world and developments in learning between 1200 and 1500.
Demonstrate an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of historical arguments which seek to gain an understanding of the ‘medieval mind’, and an ability to challenge them.
Analyse and evaluate a wide variety of primary and secondary source material relating to medieval Europe.
Identify and evaluate different types of appropriate evidence to construct convincing written explorations of topics related to knowledge, society and discovery in medieval Europe.

Disgrifiad cryno

How did the people of the Middle Ages see the world around them? Can we learn about the worldview of a different period? This module will study the medieval understanding of the world, how they interpreted the world and their curiosity to discover more. By considering topics such as imagined ideas about the world, science, the treatment of outsiders and attempts to discover the world beyond Europe we will catch a glimpse at the ‘medieval mind’ and the impact of these ideas on society. The difference between the understanding of the educated and the rest of society will be discussed, as well as the possibility to challenge accepted wisdom. Various sources will be used, including visual material. By the end of the module you should have a better understanding of the people of the Middle Ages and appreciate the way that people in different periods have different ways of thinking about the world around them.

Nod

This module will discuss ideas about the ‘medieval mind’ to see how the people of medieval Europe saw the world around them, interpreted it, and sought further understanding. Use will be made of written and visual sources and students will have to consider to what extent these sources can help us to discover and understand the worldview and way of thinking of a different period.

Cynnwys

Lectures:
1. Introduction: recognising medieval Europe
Interpreting the world
2. Popular religion
3. Structure of society
4. Mapping the world
5. Gender and sexuality
6. Art and music
7. The supernatural
8. History
9. Identity: ‘us’ and ‘them’
Curiosity and discovery
10. Education
11. Universities
12. Reading and the printing press
13. Science and astronomy
14. Medicine and the body
15. Travelling beyond Europe
16. The Age of Discovery
17. Visit to Hereford Cathedral
18. Conclusion: understanding the ‘medieval mind’?

Seminars:
1. Approaching the ‘medieval mind’
2. Interpreting the world: knowledge and the imagination
3. Education and literacy
4. Curiosity and exploration

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu	Written communication skills will be developed through the coursework; skills in oral presentation will be developed in seminars but are not formally assessed.
Datblygu personol a chynllunio gyrfa	Students will develop a range of transferable skills, including time management and communication skills, which may help them identify their personal strengths as they consider potential career paths
Datrys Problemau	Students are expected to note and respond to historical problems which arise as part of the study of this subject area and to undertake suitable research for seminars and essays.
Gwaith Tim	Students will be expected to play an active part in group activities (e.g. short group presentations in seminars) and to learn to evaluate their own contribution to such activities.
Gwella dysgu a pherfformiad ei hun	Students will be advised on how to improve research and communication skills through the individual tutorial providing feedback on submitted coursework.
Rhifedd	N/A
Sgiliau pwnc penodol	Students will develop the ability to analyse relevant sources and critically discuss the secondary material.
Sgiliau ymchwil	Students will develop their research skills by reading a range of texts and evaluating their usefulness in preparation for the coursework.
Technoleg Gwybodaeth	Students will be encouraged to locate suitable material on the web and to apply it appropriately to their own work. Students will also be expected to word-process their work and make use of Blackboard. These skills will not be formally assessed.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 6