Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

The long term changes in European society and civilisation from the time of Charlemagne in the late eighth century to the first signs of the breaking apart of the idea of a unified Christendom in the early fiftteenth century. Themes include social structure, urbanisation, relationships between men and women, education, the crusades, the role of the church and the relationship between religious reform and heresy.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit students will have:

1. Acquired and demonstrated an understanding of the structure of medieval European society as it evolved between 800 and 1450.
2. Considered critically the different ways developed by historians of looking at medieval society.
3. Become familiar with the major changes which took place in society, the Church and in political institutions between 1050 and 1450, and be able to discuss why these changes took place.
4. Learned how to interpret and discuss critically documents from the medieval period, provided in translation, setting them in their social context.
5. Learned to relate artistic, intellectual and literary culture, including Romanesque and Gothic architecture, to wider changes in medieval society.
6. Formed the ability to discuss critically, and in an informed fashion, the stereotypes conjured up by the term 'medieval'.

Assessment

Exercise (1000 words): 25%;

Essay (1,500 words): 30%;

Class test (500 words): 10%;

Tutorial responses (500 words); 10%;

Exam (1000 words): 25%

Chief examiner(s)

Clare Monagle

Contact hours

3 hours (2 lectures and 1 tutorial) per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Religion and theology
History