This module provides students with an opportunity to explore literature written by, for and about medieval women. It will consider women as writers, readers and the subjects of literature; as the consumers, compilers and scribes of books; and as the protagonists and antagonists in a variety of literary and artistic forms produced in England and Europe during late-medieval period. In the course of the module, we will explore how literature reflected, and helped to construct and constrain, women's lives, bodies, sexualities, identities and experiences, and the avenues through which they expressed their thoughts, desires and fears. By examining a range of material, including lyrics and romances, devotional manuals, saints lives, plays, letters, conduct books, sculptures, iconography and the everyday objects owned by women, we will encounter, for example: women as they were and how they were supposed to be; female friendship and same-sex desire; women’s diverse roles in society and in the home; how their bodies and relationships were used in polemic and political discourse; their influence on prominent male writers of the period; and the construction and erasure of late-medieval women’s voices in the historiography of later ages. The specific topics, materials and the date range covered by the module may alter from year to year to reflect teaching staff’s specialisms and interests.
Total Contact Hours: 32
Private Study Hours: 268
Total Study Hours: 300
Main assessment methods:
Research Project (4,000 words) 50%
Research Report (2,000 words) 30%
Seminar Participation 20%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework (4,500 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Read and respond critically to a range of late-medieval writing and material culture
2 Show a sophisticated understanding of literature in relation to the social, political, and cultural contexts of the period
3 Show a critical understanding of the history of women's writing in the period and its relationship with other literary cultures
4 Be conversant with current critical and theoretical approaches to and debates about late-medieval literature by, for and about women.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Analyse texts critically and make comparisons across a range of materials
2 Understand and interrogate various critical approaches and the theoretical assumptions that underpin these approaches
3 Show their ability to articulate coherent critical arguments using a variety of methods
4 Display good presentational skills
5 Display an ability to carry out independent research
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.
