What happened when the Roman Empire collapsed? When did countries like England, France and Germany come into being? How violent were the Vikings? What was the Norman Conquest all about? What were the Crusades? When did the Middle Ages end and the Renaissance begin? This module provides an introduction to the history of Medieval Europe (c.400–c.1450), examining the major political events and social changes that took place across this period. Along the way, we shall consider key aspects of warfare, religious life and intellectual culture. Students will obtain a clear understanding of the outlines of Medieval history between the end of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Early Modern period. The module will address the sweeping political and social transformations of the Medieval West over 1000 years, looking at how environmental, economic and political factors influenced change and conflict over the period. Equally, the module will focus on what daily life was like for most people and of the types of evidence historians can use to understand this period. The weekly lectures will guide students through the module, and seminars will provide opportunities to explore key debates and historical problems in more detail through the analysis of primary sources.
Private Study: 260
Contact Hours: 40
Total: 300
Main assessment methods
Written Assignment 1 Plan (250 words) – 5%
Written Assignment 1 (1,500 words) – 25%
Short Exercise (750 words or equivalent) – 15%
Written Assignment 2 (1,500 words) – 25%
Thematic Timed Essay (2,000 words) – 30%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework
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
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate understanding of the broad outlines of key themes in the history of Medieval Europe.
2 Demonstrate awareness of the types of sources available, including their strengths and limitations.
3 Interpret a variety of primary and secondary source material and present the results to a critical audience and/or other readership.
4 Think independently and construct arguments, demonstrating a capacity to summarise and defend a particular interpretation or analysis of historical events in a variety of ways.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Identify and solve problems while considering critically relevant intellectual concepts and differing historiographical interpretations: the ability to challenge received conclusions.
2 Engage in independent work, using library resources, and enhance skills in time management, historical research, organisation and analysis of material, verbal communication and written work.
3 Engage in group work (e.g. seminar discussion and/or group projects) in which students will be encouraged to interact effectively with others and to work co-operatively to enhance one-another's learning.
4 Communicate complex concepts effectively through written work. Students will acquire the ability to develop skills they have gained, which will be of use to them in future study and/or occupations.
5 Demonstrate communication and, where appropriate, IT skills.
6 Present information creatively and accessibly.
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