131-119 The Medieval World B

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Normally, 131-118 The Medieval World A

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Through close analysis of documents written at the time, we look at the immense changes which occurred in Western Europe and the Middle East from 1066 to about 1300. We focus on the rise of towns, creation of radically new monastic orders, the decline of feudalism, the development of ideas of chivalry and courtly love, and an exploration of the 'real' versus the 'constructed' Middle Ages. Attention is paid to the growth of ideas of nationalism and the state and the rudiments of a parliamentary system. Students will refine their ability to analyse contemporary documents, and to criticise those written by later scholars. Our focus, as always, is on allowing the students to 'make' history by their analysis of available evidence, or of conflicting historical accounts.

Assessment

Tutorial participation and written work of not more than 4000 words.