Module ENGL41630: The Anglo-Norman World

Department: English Studies

ENGL41630: The Anglo-Norman World

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To gain an advanced understanding of the history, literature and society of north-western Europe, particularly England, in the period 1066-1300.

Content

• This course explores the history, literature and society of north-western Europe in the period 1066-1300, with particular attention to England and northern France. Topics to be considered may include: the creation of Arthurian literature and the importance of origin myths, Anglo-Norman romance, Hagiography, especially the Lives of Christina of Markyate and Thomas Becket, Crusades and the life and career of Richard Coeur de Lion, Theological writing, for example Anselm of Canterbury, Ailred of Rievaulx and Robert Grosseteste, the political challenges of the Barons’ Revolt and the production of the Song of Lewes, the survival of Old English, historical writing in England, the world of the court and court satire.

Learning Outcomes

• advanced knowledge and understanding of the history, literature and society of the north-western Europe, particularly England, 1066-1300, and the modern literature thereon.

• http://www.dur.ac.uk/history.internal/local/PGModuleProformaMap/

• http://www.dur.ac.uk/history.internal/local/PGModuleProformaMap/

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Student learning is facilitated by a range of teaching methods.
• Seminars and Group Discussion require students to reflect on and discuss: their prior knowledge and experience; set reading of secondary and, where appropriate, primary readings; information provided during the session. They provide a forum in which to assess and comment critically on the findings of others, defend their conclusions in a reasoned setting, and advance their knowledge and understanding of the history, literature and society of the Anglo-Norman world.
• Structured reading requires students to focus on set materials integral to the knowledge and understanding of the module. It specifically enables the acquisition of detailed knowledge and skills which will be discussed in other areas of the teaching and learning experience.
• Assessment is by means of a 5000 word essay which requires the acquisition and application of advanced knowledge and understanding of an aspect of the history, literature and society of the Anglo-Norman world. Essays require a sustained and coherent argument in defence of a hypothesis, and must be presented in a clearly written and structured form, and with appropriate apparatus.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One or more short assignments delivered orally and discussed in a group context

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University