Course syllabus

History 219: Medieval Mentalities

Western Europe c. 1100 - c. 1500

Course Convenor: Associate Professor Kim Phillips

Arts 1, Room 727, ph. 923-7306

email km.phillips@auckland.ac.nz

Office Hours: Wednesdays 11.00-1.00

For the full course syllabus click here: 219Courseguide2017-2.doc

Class representative: Mackenzie Peperkoorn-Horan, tpep848@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Course Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/915845261887767/

Course summary

When we study the cultures of the past, is it possible to gain a sense not only of what people did but also how they thought and felt? Can we gain a sense of their worldviews, their attitudes or outlooks, their understanding of themselves and others? This course seeks to explore the central and late medieval period in Europe by addressing such questions. We will investigate some of the key cultural mentalities of the era, including concepts of the earth and its place in the cosmos, social hierarchies, monarchy and other structures of power, monasticism, ideas about gender and sex, concepts of the family and childhood, attitudes to death, religious faith and dissent, explanations for Plague, motivations for popular revolts, and the growing desire for new forms of knowledge and geographical exploration. Students will be encouraged to examine the ways in which historians have sought to understand past mentalities and to consider some of the practical difficulties and creative possibilities in undertaking such a project.

Assessment

• Lectorial engagement and leadership. 10% (engagement assessed weekly including leadership in a particular lectorial).
• 1^st Primary Source Essay (Topics 2, 3, or 4), 1200 words. 20% Due date: Thursday 24 August
• 2^nd Primary Source Essay based on the topic you lead (Topics 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10), 1800 words, 30%. Due date: Rolling deadlines, due 1 week following relevant lectorial (exception for Chivalry and Nobility topic which is due 2 weeks following relevant lectorial).
• Exam (2 hours), 40%. Date, TBA.

Academic Expectations 

Students should attend two lectures per week and one lectorial in most weeks. Please note that lectorials begin in Week 1 and end in Week 11.

Lectures

Thursdays 2-3pm 109-B15 (General Library, B15)

Fridays 10-11am 102-G36 (OGH, G36)

Lectorials

Fridays 1-2pm 206-209 (Arts 1, Room 209)

Lecture Programme