FR4117 Politics, Propaganda and Mythmaking in Medieval France

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr V C Turner

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr V Turner

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The boundaries between fact and fiction, history and fantasy in medieval texts are notoriously difficult to determine. In our own so-called 'post-truth' age, it has never been more relevant to think about the processes by which tales, people, and events become texts and gain authority, about mythmaking and literary production as political, and the Middle Ages is no exception. This module consequently focuses upon how medieval writers use and adapt narratives of past and present for political ends. It explores both the role of literature in the encoding of ideologies and the use of history to establish familial power and authority. Covering epic battles, tragic deaths, the supernatural, and questions of gender, the set texts give students the chance to explore how foundation legends and origin myths are constructed; how they legitimise contemporary rulers; and how literary texts are not only a reflection of the world but may exert influence through the creation of political fictions.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS FR2202

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

New Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 seminar (x 11 weeks), 1 podcast training workshop (x 1 week) and options module surgery hour (x 11 weeks)