Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
HY35620
Module Title
Medieval England and Germany, c. 1050-1250
Academic Year
2023/2024
Co-ordinator
Miss Abby Monk
Semester
Semester 2
Reading List
View on Aspire
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay  2500 Words  50%
Semester Assessment Open examination  2500 Words  50%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  2500 Words  50%
Supplementary Assessment Open examination  2500 Words  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate a critical understanding of relevant themes and approaches in the history and historiography of high medieval Latin Europe, in particular the relationship between historical concepts on the one hand and the realities they try to represent on the other.

Systematically evaluate differing ways of understanding the relationship between the history of high medieval Europe and its cultural representation

Marshal, understand and reflect on the use of appropriate evidence in formulating historical arguments regarding the history of Christian and non-Christian faith in high medieval Europe.

Demonstrate through written work an ability to integrate methodological themes relating to religious faith in high medieval Latin Europe into their own research fully and appropriately..

Brief description

In some ways, in the high Middle Ages, England and Germany were polar opposites. Or at least that is how many modern observers perceive often them: the former wealthy, subject to powerful kings and representative of a future of petty kingdoms and colonial empires as they emerge in the nineteenth century. The other, vast, diffuse, the Sonderweg that Bismarck sought to overcome.
This module will challenge such assumptions. It introduces students to a world full of contradictions and tensions, marvels and wonders, and seeming opposites that, at close inspection, prove have rather more in common than conventions would often concede. It will also introduce students to a world – medieval Germany – that is less familiar in Britain, and to a methodology – comparative history – that is essential if lazy stereotypes and convenient myths are to be challenged and overcome.

Aims

By the end of this module, students will have a good understanding of medieval and modern debates about the meaning of Europe, an understanding of the variety and diversity of high medieval Latin Europe, as well as of comparative history and its methods.

Content

18 lectures, 6 seminars

Lectures
1. Introduction
2. What was England?
3. What was Germany?
4. Conquered and Conquerors: England
5. Conquered and Conquerors: Germany
6. Kingship and Power (1)
7. Kingship and Power (2)
8. Rebellion and Crisis (1)
9. Rebellion and Crisis (2)
10. Empire (1)
11. Empire (2)
12. Education and Learning (1)
13. Education and Learning (2)
14. Religion and Faith (1)
15. Religion and Faith (2)
16. Church and king (1)
17. Church and king (2)
18. Summary


Seminars
1. Defining England and Germany
2. William of Malmesbury and Otto of Freising
3. The Welsh and the Slavs
4. Wipo and William of Poitiers
5. Monks: Bury and Petershausen
6. The rebellions of 1233-6

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Co-ordinating with others 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.
Creative Problem Solving 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 assignments.
Critical and analytical thinking 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.
Digital capability The use of electronic resources will be an element in this module, providing students with the opportunity to develop their skills through, for example, the use of TalisAspire and Blackboard.
Professional communication Written communication skills will be developed through the coursework; skills in oral presentation will be developed in seminars but are not formally assessed.
Reflection This will be developed as students are encouraged to reflect on some of the key concepts and arguments relating to the period
Subject Specific Skills Students will acquire skills in the analysis and discussion of sources relevant to the study of medieval Europe.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6