Medieval Plague, War and Heresy

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The period from 1300-1450 has been described as a 'calamitous' one in European history; it saw the deaths of 25 million people from plague; the ravages of the 100 Years War between France and England; Schism in the Church; heresy and the inquisition; the demise of the Templars; rebellion from peasants in England and wool workers in Italy; and the persecution and expulsion of millions of Jews. Despite these calamities, or perhaps because of them, the period was also one of extraordinary cultural innovation and social transformation. Through detailed case studies, students will be guided through one of the most turbulent and fascinating periods of European history.

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

• reflect critically on the complexities of periodization in medieval history;
• demonstrate familiarity with the major social, political and cultural developments of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries;
• demonstrate an ability to analyse primary and secondary material in writing about the past;
• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources; and
• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument.

• A 1000 word primary source analysis due mid semester (20%)
• A 1000 word tutorial journal due during the semester (20%)
• A 2000 word essay due in the examination period (60%)

Hurdle requirement:

• Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject.
• All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
• Students must successfully complete the online 'Researching History" module inorder to pass this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Subject readings will be available online and students will also be able to purchase a hard copy of the readings.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.