This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module examines how far the social, economic and political changes that occurred within Medieval Europe from the mid twelfth century affected popular religious beliefs and piety. One of the most dramatic changes in this period was the rise of towns and long-distance trade. Towns developed their own distinctive forms of government and social organisation, and consequently townspeople developed a more independent and critical mindset, especially in matters of religion. Two powerful examples of these new trends were the growth of universities in the major European cities and the rise of new religious movements. One of the major intellectual forces in the new universities and one of the most important of these new movements were the friars. The friars comprised the Franciscans, founded around 1206 by Francis of Assisi (1182-83/1226), and the Dominicans, founded by Dominic in about 1207. These new religious orders also gave an important role to women, notably Clare of Assisi, one of the first followers of Francis, who founded her own order of nuns in the 1220s. These new orders revolutionised the Medieval Church and society. They responded to popular demand for more effective religious instruction. In effect they helped the Church to establish a system of mass communication in order to transmit its religious teachings to the laity. After the coming of the Friars no aspect of daily life was untouched by these teachings, for example transforming the idea of poverty into a powerful spiritual ideal, still alive in our world.
The module will draw on narrative, hagiographical, documentary and visual sources. It will be structured around themes, including: the rise of towns; economic and political features of thirteenth century Europe; popular piety; preaching; gender issues; medieval universities and intellectual life; and Mendicant art. Issues such as the idea of poverty, the role of women, the importance of religion, and the presence of the Church within the medieval society will inform the course's approach to the material.
Total contact hours: 80
Total private study hours: 520
Total module study hours: 600
Essay (3000 words) – 10%
Essay (3000 words) – 10%
Critique (1500 words) – 5%
Critique (1500 words) – 5%
Presentation (15 minutes) – 5%
Presentation (15 minutes) – 5%
Exam 1 (2 hours) – 30%
Exam 2 (2 hours) – 30%
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
