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Sources & Issues for the History of the Parish & Parish Church - CED00028M

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  • Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Emma Wells
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22

Module aims

This module introduces students to the key sources for and issues in studying parishes and parish churches – the topic is then further developed on in term 2. It focuses on issues which arise not only from the nature, extent and survival of evidence, but also those relating to the study, care and understanding of churches and interaction with specialist and statutory bodies. The module is largely arranged in pairs of weeks. Each pairing will introduce students to a topic and then explore it in more depth. Cumulatively they build into a broad overview of the subject which should equip students for the more focused modules which underpin the rest of their studies. 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
4000 word essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
4000 word essay		 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)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.