Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
This module is a 'social history' of the eleventh century. This was a time of tremendous social, political and intellectual transformation, indeed a time, according to many historians, when European civilisation as we know it was created. The course will open with a discussion of some classic and recent historiography. Primary sources revealing the exercise of power by the landed elite will then be considered in the context of radical changes in family structure such as the institution of primogeniture, a new concept of masculinity and the enforcement of incest taboos. A crucial question arising from these sources is the extent to which we can see the impact of the changes among the elite on the 'people'. Using sources describing peace of God movement, the persecution of heretics and the veneration of holy men and women, we will then look to assess the claim that 'crowd' enters European history during this period.
Aims
To introduce students to the events, sources and modern historiographical debates of one of the most important periods in the formation of Western European culture - the eleventh century - a time when according to some modern historians European civilization as we know it today was created.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/his-30096/lists
Intended Learning Outcomes
explain and recognise the social, religious, political and economic changes in the eleventh century, a period recognised as vital in the formation of Western European culture: 1,2evaluate and critically assess secondary sources and historiographical debates, and to use them appropriately in the development of historical analysis: 1,2evaluate and critically assess a range of different kinds of primary sources and to use them appropriately in the development of historical analysis: 1,2
10 x two-hour seminars2 hour exam50 hours seminar preparation 30 hours extended document commentary preparation48 hours preparation for examination.
Description of Module Assessment
1: Commentary weighted 40%CommentaryA commentary on primary sources set by the tutor. Length: c.1700 words
2: Open Book Examination weighted 60%Take Home examinationA twenty-four-hour, take-home examination in which students will be expected to answer two essay questions from a list of 8, generating around 2000 words.