ME3433 The Medieval Landscape and Environment

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

Dr R W S C Cox

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

Module Staff

Dr Rory Cox

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

Module description

The European Middle Ages (c. 500-1500) witnessed myriad environmental, climatological, demographic, technological, socio-economic and political changes, all of which played a role in shaping the medieval landscape. This module will examine the Middle Ages through the lens of its changing landscape and the people living within it. The module will approach the topic via environmental history, socio-cultural history, and intellectual history. While students will be encouraged to consider the global and long-term elements of certain environmental and climatological trends (e.g. the 'Little Ice Age' and the concept of the 'Anthropocene'), the focus will be on Europe c. 1000-1500, with a particular emphasis on Britain.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

ENTRY TO HONS IN HISTORY OR MEDIAEVAL HISTORY

Assessment pattern

Examination = 40%, Coursework = 60%

Re-assessment

Reassessment = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

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

Scheduled learning hours

20

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

280

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • An in-depth understanding of the general environmental and landscape history of Europe during the period c. 1000-1500.
  • The ability to differentiate and utilise alternative historical methodologies and approaches, including environmental, cultural, intellectual, and socio-economic histories.
  • The ability to analyse critically a range of primary sources, including texts, art and artefacts, cartographic material, etc.. Critical analysis will be refined and tested through class discussion, coursework essays, and a written exam.
  • The development of sophisticated and cogent oral and written communication, developed through class discussion, non-assessed oral presentations on specific subjects, and assessed coursework and examination.
  • The development of team-working skills, through active engagement in non-assessed class group debates and presentations.