To introduce students to the history of Europe between Late Antiquity and the Enlightenment, and the relationship between Europe and other parts of the world;

To develop empathetic understanding of the period;

To develop an understanding of how one engages in critical evaluation of primary sources;

To develop an ability to analyse problems, construct an argument and present it clearly in written form.

(LO1) An ability to read, analyse and reflect critically and contextually upon secondary evidence, including historical writings and the interpretations of historians.

(LO2) An understanding of comparative perspectives, through the ability to identify and to assess similarity and difference by temporal and/or spatial comparison.

(LO3) Understanding of continuity and change over extended time spans.

(LO4) A foundational knowledge of the history of Europe between Late Antiquity and the seventeenth century, and the relationship between Europe and other parts of the world.

(S1) Confidence, independence of mind, responsibility, organisation and time-management.

(S2) The ability to work collaboratively and to participate in group discussion.

(S3) Gathering, analysing and organising information, including online and digital resources.

(S4) Structure, coherence, clarity and fluency of oral expression.

(S5) Structure, coherence, clarity and fluency of written expression

This module is taught by means of 22 twice weekly lectures and six fortnightly seminars. Lectures are designed to give you an introduction to key themes and issues, and to provide a narrative backdrop; they are the basis for independent reading and research. Seminars provide an opportunity for in-depth, student-led discussion of topics chosen by your tutor.

Topics include:

The fall of Rome and the rise of Christianity and Islam;

Gender in the early Middle Ages;

The kingdom of the Franks and the Carolingian world;

The Vikings;

The Crusades;

Heresy;

The Black Death;

The Reformation and Catholic Reformation.

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.

Lecture:
The lectures provide a framework for the module, introduce the main themes, concepts and historical debates, and provide the context for the in-depth discussions in the seminars.

Seminar:
These focus on detailed group analysis of key aspects of the module.

Consultation:
One hour available weekly to students who might have questions or challenges.