ME3214 Italian City States: from Communes to Signorie c. 1000- c. 1350

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

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 9

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.

Planned timetable

TBC

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

Module coordinator

Prof F E Andrews

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

Module Staff

Prof F Andrews

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

Module description

The aim of this module is to explore the changing nature and impact of urban life in a moment of great creativity in Italy, tracing the transition from the first appearance of the Communes to government by individual lords or 'Signorie'. Topics covered will include: urban growth and the origins of the Commune, the character of Communal government, expansion into the Contado, the development of faction, the first despots, civil life, guilds and merchants, patron saints and confraternities, violence and civil disorder. The reading will be from primary sources in translation whenever possible.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS AT LEAST 60 CREDITS FROM {ME1003, ME1006, ME2003, HI2001, MH2002}

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 40%, Coursework = 60%

Re-assessment

4,000-word essay = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 2-hour seminar, plus 1 office hour.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand urban political history in Italy
  • Analyse primary sources from varying perspectives
  • Demonstrate an awareness of visual sources