This is the first of a pair of core modules addressing the interpretation and criticism of medieval sources. Together these form the compulsory core course for the MLitt in Medieval History. ME5203 focuses on selected types of historical sources and associated problems and introduces appropriate skills training. Source training will be further developed in ME5204 in semester two by an extended paper, together with training in seminar presentation and discussion skills. A separate module programme will be supplied for ME5204.
We will start the term with an in-depth discussion of historiography, and particularly on contemporary debates about the nature and use of primary sources from the Middle Ages, with particular attention to the implications of both the linguistic and material turns. Our first body of documentation for ME5203 focuses on the twelfth-century monastic Chronicle of Petershausen. This text has been selected because—whatever your own particular research interests—it raises pertinent questions about interpreting historical evidence that we will explore together. In the second half of the term, you will be asked to contribute to the corpus of material to be discussed and lead part of the weekly class discussion (in pairs).
We will start the term with an in-depth discussion of historiography, and particularly on contemporary debates about the nature and use of primary sources from the Middle Ages, with particular attention to the implications of both the linguistic and material turns. Our first body of documentation for ME5203 focuses on the twelfth-century monastic Chronicle of Petershausen. This text has been selected because—whatever your own particular research interests—it raises pertinent questions about interpreting historical evidence that we will explore together. In the second half of the term, you will be asked to contribute to the corpus of material to be discussed and lead part of the weekly class discussion (in pairs).
Course Type: 2023-2024 Modules
Shared Course: No
Feeder Course: No