ME3241 Sex and Gender in Medieval Europe

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

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 A I Beach

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

Module Staff

Prof Alison Beach

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

Module description

This module explores the diverse concepts and constructions of sex and gender (including both masculinity and femininity) in medieval Europe through a close reading of primary sources and secondary literature and engagement with evidence from material culture and archaeology. Topics discussed include theological and medical understandings of sex and the body, legal definitions of betrothal and marriage, textual constructions of love and romance, gendered aspects of labor in the countryside and in towns, celibacy, homosexuality, and transgender.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

ENTRY TO HONS IN HISTORY OR MEDIAEVAL HISTORY

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • By the end of the module, students should be able to articulate clearly the difference between biological sex and gender, and to understand the extent to which both are culturally determined.
  • Students will improve upon the critical reading and writing skills that they developed in their subhounours modules as they work with a variety of primary sources.
  • Students will improve their critical reading and writing skills as they read a variety of secondary literature and evaluate and compare arguments and evidence in monographs and journal articles.
  • Students will learn how to prepare and deliver effective class presentations.
  • Students will learn to formulate their own research questions and arguments based on guided but independent research.
  • Students will understand the evolution of Western conceptions of sex, gender, and sexuality from Late Antiquity through the Middle Ages and consider how this legacy has shaped modern understandings of sexuality and gender roles.