Canterbury was not simply one among medieval England's cities – it had an unparalleled international significance. This module gives you the opportunity to understand the built heritage and written records of the city in which you are studying, and so allows you to re-construct its life and importance. The module approaches a broad chronological sweep thematically, including topics that draw on the research interests of Dr Sheila Sweetinburgh (History) and Dr Paul Bennett (Archaeology), both of whom work on English urban society, c.1000–1550, with special reference to Canterbury. The teaching will focus on a number of inter-related themes which will be studied through differing types of evidence from written and printed texts to objects and standing buildings. Consequently, certain seminars will take place outside the seminar room, looking at the evidence in situ. Topics covered will include topography, civic governance, urban defence, house and household, commercial practices and premises, parish church development, the place of religious houses, pilgrimage and city-crown relations, as a way of examining issues such as space, power, patronage and responses to changing social, political and economic conditions. Teaching will draw on expertise in the history and archaeology of the city, supplemented with site visits, including to places often not open to visitors. Students will be encouraged to think comparatively, both nationally and internationally, to assess Canterbury's place within medieval European society.
Private Study: 278
Contact Hours: 22
Total: 300 hours
Main assessment methods
Presentation and Report (20%)
Essay (4,000 words) (80%)
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
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 Demonstrate their ability to analyse primary sources, such as texts, objects, buildings
2 Demonstrate their ability to communicate their knowledge and understanding of the development of medieval urban society.
3 Demonstrate their understanding of the value of interdisciplinary approaches to the study of history and heritage through the close 'reading' of Canterbury.
4 Demonstrate that they have gained analytical and communication skills valued by employers in industries such as education and heritage
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate their development of valuable transferable skills through their assignments
2 Demonstrate their ability to articulate sophisticated, coherent and persuasive arguments relating to the development of the discipline.
3 Demonstrate their research and organisational skills through their seminar preparation and work for their assignments.
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