A History, Rise & Demise of Western Monasticism (c.600-1500) - CED00119C

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Module summary

This module draws on a wealth of sources from contemporary accounts to archaeological/architectural evidence to examine the rise of monasticism within the early Church to the time of the Reformation. It will address the major changes in Western monastic life, key female/male monastic figures and reform movements, including developments in the landscape. The influence of monasticism on the wider population will also be addressed, such as the significance of the cult of saints and the act of pilgrimage.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Summer Term 2023-24

Module aims

This module draws on a wealth of sources from contemporary accounts, current research and archaeological and architectural evidence to examine the rise of monasticism within the early Church to the time of the Reformation and offers a vivid impression of monastic life. The major changes in the development of Western monastic life took place during the Middle Ages. This module will address those changes, key female and male monastic figures and the reform movements from the early Middle Ages through to the fifteenth century.

The influence of monasticism on the wider population will also be addressed, including the significance of the cult of saints and the act of pilgrimage. Significant focus will also be given to the buildings and landscapes constructed and formed by the monastic population. Their demise will then form the culmination of the module as the decline of Western monasticism was played out in the sixteenth century after the suppression of the monasteries in England by Henry VIII. The module will finally consider what happened to monastic lives as a result of this detrimental event.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students should be able to:

• Understand the rationale of monasticism and its importance throughout the Middle Ages up to the Reformation
• Assess the importance of monasteries to medieval society and how they essentially shaped the landscape
• Understand the importance of monastic values and beliefs on wider religion and social practices
• Understand the importance of monastic buildings and the church
• Compare evidence from a variety of sources and use it critically.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

The tutor will give regular individual verbal and written feedback throughout the module on work submitted.

The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.

Indicative reading

• Lawrence, C H (2000) Medieval Monasticism: Forms of Religious Life in Western Europe in the Middle Ages.
• Burton, J (1994) The Monastic and Religious Orders in Britain 1000-1300.
• Burton, J and Kerr, J (2011) The Cistercian Order in the Middle Ages.
• King, P (1999) Western Monasticism: A History of the Monastic Movement in the Latin Church.
• Rodwell, W (2012) The Archaeology of Churches.