Studying at York
The Age of Charlemagne - CED00123C
- Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: C
- Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
Module summary
The achievements and legacy of the Carolingian empire have had an enduring impact on Europe's history for centuries. As Emperor of the West, Charlemagne
aimed to recreate the Roman Empire, after it declined and fell in the 5th century. By analysing Carolingian documentary sources as well as its art and architecture,
this module will study the programmes of cultural and economic reform, and the military campaigns that took place during the 8 th and 9 th centuries. Students will
also explore different historiographical approaches to this period in order critically to assess them.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
A topic from the end of the period, centring on one of the most important figures of the late 8th-early 9th century and the re-establishment of the ‘Roman Empire’ in the West. Again, a wealth of sources in translation and important artistic materials could be considered.
Module learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the main events of the historical period
- Analyse the main themes of historical enquiry relevant to the period
- Assess and evaluate a range of historiographical approaches to the period studied.
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
Primary Source:
- Einhard, The Life of Charlemagne. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press: 1960 (also available online: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/einhard.asp )
Secondary Sources:
- Story, Joanna (ed.) Charlemagne Empire and Society. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2005 (repr. 2010). (A collection of scholarly studies, each one dealing with a specific issue that will be discussed in seminars).
- Latowsky, Anne Austin. Emperor of the world: Charlemagne and the construction of imperial authority, 800-1229. Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 2013 (Electronic resource)