HST658: Approaching the Middle Ages
45 credits (semester 1: 2009-10) 30 credits (semester 1: 2010-11)
Module Leader: Professor Martial Staub (2009-10), TBC (2010-11)
Team: Dr. Julia Hillner, Dr. Simon Loseby, Dr. Amanda Power, Dr. Charles West (2009-10), Team TBC (2010-11)
| Module Summary |
The module is designed as an introduction into research on the Middle Ages and aims to familiarise students with the method of the discipline. Seminars will address both the tools of modern interpretation of the Middle Ages and, in 6 intercalated seminars, the materials (sources) used by historians. Further, modern interpretation will be subsumed under three main approaches: Transitions, which will deal with influential chronological narratives and refresh students´ knowledge of the main sections of medieval history; Perspectives, which will introduce students to both the perspectives of historians and the perspectives of medieval people; and Identities, which will present, and critically deal with, some structural elements identified by historians of medieval societies.
| Teaching |
The module will be taught by fifteen, two-hour classes. Students will be set preparatory reading in advance and will be expected to share their knowledge of historiographical and methodological issues, debate controversial topics and listen and respond to the views of others in a structured environment. Students will, in addition, have three individual tutorials with the relevant teacher/s in which to discuss the work they will write for assessment for this module.
| Assessment |
Students will complete two written papers for this module, totaling 9,000 words:
- A 3,000 word paper that relates specifically to their seminar work and is concerned with questions of historical method. Students will be asked to identify, examine, and critique specific historical approaches or methods.
- A 6,000 word paper on a topic in medieval history that demonstrates a critical engagement with current historiography.
| Intended Learning Outcomes |
By the end of the module a candidate will be able to demonstrate:
- An understanding of current historiographical and methodological debates in medieval history, leading to an enhanced awareness of the nature of historical knowledge.
- A critical engagement with historiographical developments in medieval history since 1960.
- Their ability to elaborate and defend an intellectual position to other members of the seminar group, presenting complex scholarly arguments and historiographical debates succinctly and accurately.
- Their knowledge and understanding of contrasting methodological positions current in the study of medieval history, with an ability to demonstrate this both orally and in writing.
- Their ability to engage in group discussions of interpretative issues.
- The ability to present their conclusions in a fluent written form, demonstrating a mastery of bibliographical materials (including electronic resources) referencing their sources appropriately.