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? Were the ‘Dark Ages’ really as grim as they are often made out to be? This module provides an introduction to the history of early medieval Europe (c.400–c.1100), examining the major political events and social changes that took place across this period. Along the way, it will consider key aspects of warfare, religious life and intellectual culture. Students will obtain a clear understanding of the outlines of early medieval history between the end of the Roman Empire and the transformations of the late eleventh century, as well as a sense of what daily life was like for most people. Additionally, students will be empowered to engage confidently with different types of evidence that historians can use to understand this period. The weekly lectures guide students through the module, and seminars provide opportunities to explore key debates and historical problems in more detail through the analysis of primary sources.
Lecture 16, Seminar 16
500 words Primary Source Critique. Assessment Details: Students choose a primary source to analyse, using some key interpretive tools. worth 25%.
20 minutes plus presentation slides Group Presentation. Assessment Details: Students work in groups to present on a specific historical subject, in line with week’s focus. worth 20%.
1,500 words Essay. Assessment Details: Students interpret question using primary sources and the secondary literature on a topic. worth 55%.
Reassessment Method:
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
Understand a wide variety of historical controversies relating to the early medieval period and engage in debates around them.
Evaluate a range of historical sources, both primary and secondary and recognise the problems inherent in historical records.
Differentiate between different levels of historical reliability.
Review a variety of historical writings and formulate a reasoned critique of their reliability.
Work effectively independently or in groups to construct and defend a position and argument.
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