131-119 Medieval World B

Formerly available as 131-010. Students who have completed 131-010 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

It is recommended that this subject be taken in conjunction with 131-191 Medieval World A.

Through close analysis of documents written at the time, this subject explores the immense changes which occurred in western Europe and the Middle East from 1066 to about 1600. 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 should refine their ability to analyse contemporary documents, and to criticise those written by later scholars. Our focus is on allowing students to 'make' history through the analysis of available evidence, or the analysis of conflicting historical accounts.

Class participation and written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available.