The Medieval Body

Subject 131-408 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

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Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in history.
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Dr Megan Cassidy-Welch
Subject Overview:

This subject explores the ways in which medieval people gave meaning to the idea of the body. We will explore such topics as fragmented bodies and the medieval cult of saints; the gendering of the medieval body; medieval perceptions of death, decay and bodily resurrection; the ingestion of the sacred body of Christ in the Eucharistic ritual; medicalised understandings of the working of the body; deformed bodies, monsters and the possessed; representations of the body in medieval art; and the use of post-modern theories of the body in a medieval context. Students completing this unit should be able to engage critically with historical understandings of the body in a medieval context; demonstrate familiarity with the principal sources for the study of the medieval body; and demonstrate an understanding of the main debates about the body as a subject of historical enquiry.

Assessment: A research essay of 3000 words, 50% (due mid-semester) and a reflective essay of 2000 words, 50% (due in examintion period)
Prescribed Texts: .
Recommended Texts:

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Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;

  • be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;

  • have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.
Notes: .
Related Course(s): Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Gender Studies)
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (History)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Ancient and Medieval Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Gender Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History)

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