This course introduces students to the people, society, politics, and culture of Western Europe during the later Middle Ages. Focusing primarily on England, but branching into other areas of Western Europe, it will explore some of the socio-political structures, mentalities, and events that contribute to our understanding of the later medieval period.
The later Middle Ages have been interpreted as a time of decline and decay which preceded an enlightened Renaissance or ‘early modern’ era. Candidates will be offered a variety of documentary, literary, and artistic evidence alongside recent historiography to help them reflect upon and critically assess this view. In addition to exploring such themes as social relations, power, and beliefs, this course will engage with concepts of periodisation, including the terms ‘medieval’ and ‘early modern’, and with notions of historical change, transition, and continuity.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- critically discuss major social, political, economic, and cultural structures, events, and themes shaping the later Middle Ages;
- evaluate and analyse a range of later medieval sources and modern historiography;
- identify and assess evidence of change and continuity throughout the later medieval period;
- formulate logical arguments substantiated by research using primary sources and historiography relating to the medieval period;
- express ideas clearly in both written and oral modes of communication.
Indicative Assessment
- Class participation (10) [LO 1,2,4,5]
- Source analysis: 1000 words (20) [LO 2,4,5]
- Topical Essay: 2000 words (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Synoptic/Reflective Essay: 2000 words (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorial and tutorial-like activities; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts for HIST2220. However, students are encouraged to read the introductory texts listed under Indicative Readings.
Preliminary Reading
Recommended preliminary reading:
Marcus Bull, Thinking Medieval: An Introduction to the Study of the Middle Ages (Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005)
S. H. Rigby, ed., A Companion to Britain in the Later Middle Ages (Malden: Blackwell, 2003)
These texts are both available electronically from the ANU Library.
Assumed Knowledge
Some familiarity with historical source analysis and the evaluation of historiography would be an advantage.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $3960 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $5100 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
