Course syllabus

 

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HISTORY 319: Medieval Mentalities, Western Europe c.1100-1500

SEMESTER 2, 2018

15 points

For full syllabus click here: 319Courseguide2018-1 .doc

 
Course Convenor: 

 Kim Phillips - km.phillips@auckland.ac.nz

Course delivery format:

2 hours of lectures and 1 lectorial

(Timetable and room details can be viewed on Student Services Online)

 Summary of Course Description:              

 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.

 Course outcomes:

A student who successfully completes this course will:

  • Analyse and discuss a range of primary sources
  • Engage with and critically evaluate relevant academic literature
  • Undertake library research with the aim of organising and writing academic assignments that include coherent arguments and supporting evidence
  • Become familiar with information technology as a tool for academic research
  • Communicate ideas and information in verbal and written formats

 Assessment Summary:

  • Lectorial engagement and leadership. 10%
  • 1st Primary Source Essay, 1200 words. 20% Due Thursday 16 August.
  • 2nd Primary Source Essay, 1800 words. 30%. Due date: Rolling deadlines.
  • Research Essay: 2500 words, 40%. Due  Monday 29 October

 

Weekly Topics: 

Week 1

Introduction: Upheaval and Innovation in the Early Middle Ages

Approaching Medieval History

 Week 2

Heaven and Earth

An ‘Ordered’ Society?                                                         

Week 3

Kingship

Queenship

Week 4

Monasticism and Learning

The Third Estate: Those Who Worked                                            

Week 5

Religion and the People

Magic, Witchcraft, and Medicine

Week 6

Chivalry and Nobility

Papacy and Christendom

Week 7

Men and Masculinities

Sexualities

Week 8

Women and Femininities

Family, Marriage and Childhood                                    

Week 9

Death and the Afterlife

The Black Death

Week 10

Popular Revolts

Religious Conflict and Dissent

Week 11

Voyages and Encounters 1: European Expansion

Voyages and Encounters 2: The Global Middle Ages

Week 12

Late Medieval Inventions and Innovations

Conclusion and Course Review

 

 

 Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:           

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Deadlines for coursework are set by course convenors and will be advertised in course material. You should submit your work on time. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension but you may be required to provide supporting information before the assignment is due. Late assignments without a pre-approved extension may be penalised by loss of marks – check course information for details.

Course summary:

Date Details Due