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The Medieval Era - CED00032M

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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 Spring Term 2021-22

Module aims

This module will provide an introduction to the evolution of the architectural landscape and the major elements of built history in England from the Anglo-Saxon/medieval period to the early 16th century. The aim of the module is to provide a sound understanding of the basic development of medieval/Gothic buildings and their context, and of the need for such understanding in the decision-making processes of historic conservation (i.e. style and interpretation).

Module learning outcomes

By the conclusion of the module the student should be able to:

  • Critically engage with scholarly accounts of the development of medieval architecture from c.1000 to c.1530
  • Identify the range of techniques and evidence available to study the buildings of this period
  • Recognise and identify the principal characteristics of Gothic and medieval building types, their chronological developments, and regional variations, and how these transpired in relation to patrons and audiences
  • Critically assess the critical and historical value of such terms as ‘Gothic’, ‘Late Gothic’ and ‘Renaissance’ with reference to the material and themes covered
  • Interpret and analyse the most prominent English structures of the era, and relate aspects of their history, context, structure, and style.
  • Possess knowledge of current academic debates and ideas (particularly from a wide range of disciplines)

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay/coursework		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay/coursework		 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

  • Coldstream, Nicola, 2002. Medieval Architecture, Oxford.
  • Draper, P, 2006. The Formation of English Gothic: Architecture and Identity, Yale,
  • Emery, A, 2007. Discovering Medieval Houses, Shire.
  • Fernie, E, 2000. The Architecture of Norman England, Oxford University Press.
  • Gerrard, C, 2003. Medieval Archaeology: understanding traditions and contemporary approaches, Routledge.
  • Grenville, J, 1997. Medieval Housing, Leicester University Press.
  • Johnson, M, 1993. Housing Culture: Traditional Architecture in an English Landscape, UCL Press.
  • Platt, C, 1990. The Architecture of Medieval Britain: a Social History, Yale University Press.
  • Wood, M, 1983. The English Medieval House, Bracken Books.


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.