This module is the second part of an introduction to the subject which exposes students to the key sources for and issues in studying parishes and parish churches. Similarly to Sources and Issues for the History of the Parish and Parish Church, the module is largely arranged in pairs of weeks. Each pairing will introduce students to a topic and then explore it in more depth. As with Sources I, it will build into a broad overview of the subject which will underpin the rest of their studies. This module continues the study of various furnishings and objects before moving into consideration of the legislative framework and overview of current issues. In particular, it will:
Introduce students to the types and range of primary and secondary material available for parish research and where such material may be found.
Give a broad chronology and framework in which to locate the subject-specific modules and their own research.
Set out the key issues and questions currently at the forefront of academic interest in this area.
Explore the questions and sensitivities which are current outside the academic arena.
Introduce students to the range of skills and expertise necessary to undertake study in the areas covered by the rest of the course.
Broaden students’ understanding of and engagement with the range of disciplines and subject areas through which the study of parishes and parish churches can be approached.
Develop research skills
Develop an awareness of the breadth of religious practice and how this has influenced and continues to influence the story of a parish and its church.
Module learning outcomes
Subject content
Understand what primary archival material is available for parish research, what it will tell you and why it was created
Understand what other sources may be available and how they should be used
Use archaeological, art historical and historical techniques to interrogate a building and its setting
Demonstrate how a range of information can be interpreted to extrapolate lost or unrecorded data and the caveats around this
Integration of evidence to create a coherent model which can then be tested and examined
Discussion of the current research and wider agendas and debate around the issues raised.
Academic and graduate skills
Demonstrate an ability to undertake research into primary sources of varying dates and complexity
Interrogate sources to extract complex data
Employ interdisciplinary approaches to evidence, its use and interpretation
Demonstrate an ability to articulate a coherent narrative.
Other learning outcomes
Develop an ability to engage with and respond to the different approaches dictated by the environment and background of other students, i.e. the religious vs heritage.
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay - 4,000 words
N/A
100
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay - 4,000 words
N/A
100
Module feedback
The tutor will give regular individual feedback throughout the module on work submitted.
The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.
Indicative reading
D. Dyas & Christianity & Culture “The English Parish Church through the Centuries” York (2010)
S. J Wright “Parish, Church and people: local studies in lay religion 1350-1750 Hutchinson (1988)
N. Mears and A. Ryrie “Worship and the Parish Church in Early Modern Britain” Ashgate (2013)
E. Duffy et al “The parish in late medieval England: proceedings of the 2002 Harlaxton Symposium” Harlaxton Symposium (2002)
W.E. Tate “The Parish Chest” 3rd edition, Cambridge (1969)
W.B. Stephens “Sources for English Local History” Cambridge (1981)