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 most 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. 

This course aims to enhance participants’ knowledge and understanding of a period central to European history, and to challenge preconceptions about medieval life with fresh perspectives on the people and culture of Western Europe in the later Middle Ages. 

On successful completion of the course, students will have developed the capacity to:

1. critically discuss major social, political, economic, and cultural structures, events, and themes shaping the later Middle Ages
2. evaluate and analyse different medieval sources and modern historiography
3. identify and assess evidence of social change and continuity throughout the period
4. critically evaluate the concept of decline in relation to the later Middle Ages
5. conduct research using primary sources and historiography relating to the period
6. formulate logical arguments substantiated with historical evidence
7. express ideas clearly in both written and oral modes of communication

1.Tutorial participation, including Reflective Writing and discussion:10% (Assesses learning outcomes 1–3, 6–7)

2.Tutorial Presentation: 10 minute presentation and 500 word source analysis on same topic 20% (Assesses learning outcomes 1–3, 5–7)

3.Topical Essay: 2000 words 30% (Assesses learning outcomes 1–2, 5–7)

4. Synoptic Essay OR Research Proposal: 2500 words 40% (Assesses learning outcomes 1–7, esp. 3–4)

One lecture session of 90–100 mins (this will usually take the form of two lectures with a break) and 1 tutorial per week. Lectures will normally be recorded. Students should expect to devote an additional 7 hours per week of independent study to tutorial and assessment preparation.

Completion of 2 courses (12 units) in History at first year level or with permission of the convenor. For the purposes of this course, all courses with codes beginning HIST1xxx, together with EURO1004, ANCH1013 and ANCH1014 count as first-year History subjects.

Recommended preliminary reading: 

Marcus Bull, Thinking Medieval: An Introduction to the Study of the Middle Ages, Palgrave Macmillan, Houndmills, 2005; S. H. Rigby, ed., A Companion to Britain in the Later Middle Ages, Blackwell, Malden, 2003.

Weekly readings and additional source material will be made available electronically.

To access details for each topic please use the topic link at the top of the page.