The Global Middle Ages - MST00060M

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Module summary

This module takes an interdisciplinary approach to the theory and practice of the ‘Global Middle Ages’. The ‘Global Middle Ages’ challenges the Eurocentric formations of academic disciplines to think about the Middle Ages beyond a Western framework. Our aim is to open up both the ways that people thought about the global in the Middle Ages and our own contemporary thinking about the global. We will look at the period 500-1500 on an Afro-Eurasian scale, not abandoning Europe, but putting it in its place as a small and peripheral part of a much wider world.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 2 2025-26

Module aims

Using a variety of sources and approaches (from archaeology, art history, history and literature), we will examine the connections and disconnections which linked and divided Afro-Eurasia in the Middle Ages. We will both learn about and critically scrutinize the methodologies of the ‘Global Middle Ages’. The programme will be organised around a theoretical introduction and conclusion, with two three-week clusters which will cut across geographies and chronologies to examine ‘thinking’ about the Global and ‘experience’ of the Global in the Middle Ages.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:

• knowledge and critical understanding of the theory and practice of the Global Middle Ages

Module content

This module will be taught via a briefing and eight 2-hour seminars. The programme will be organised around a theoretical introduction and conclusion, with two three-week clusters which will cut across geographies and chronologies to examine ‘thinking’ about the Global and ‘experience’ of the Global in the Middle Ages. Topics may include maps, cosmographies, trade, and travelling story-worlds.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100.0

Module feedback

Students have the opportunity to submit a formative essay of up to 2,000 words and receive written or oral feedback, as appropriate, from a tutor. For the summative essay (3500-4000 words), students will receive their provisional mark and written feedback in line with the University's turnaround policy. The tutor will then be available during student hours for follow-up guidance if required.

Indicative reading

• C. Holmes and N. Standen, eds., ‘The Global Middle Ages’, Past and Present, 238, issue supplement 13 (2018).
• S. Conrad, What is Global History? (Princeton, 2016).
• C.Normore, ed., Reassessing the Global Turn in Medieval Art History, in The Medieval Globe, 3.2 (2017).