131-451 Historians and Ritual

Formerly available as 131-045. Students who have completed 131-045 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in history.

This subject is a study of the ways in which ritual has influenced the historical interpretation of medieval and early modern European history over the last three decades. Students will focus on the recent historical interest in ritual structure and behaviour, such as rites of passage, the ritual calendar, the ritual process of government, royal and coronation rituals, religious rituals, body ritual and gesture, festivity and carnival. Students will explore the significance of this historiographical approach for an understanding of recent history writing.

• show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;

• be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;

• have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.

A classpaper of 1500 words 30% (due during the semester) and a research essay of 3500 words 70% (due at the end of semester).