The catastrophic 14th century

Aims of the course

This course aims to:
1. Provide an introduction to the biological, ecological and environmental catastrophes of 14th-century Europe.
2. Explore the interaction of global climate change and extreme weather events with human society.
3. To explore the complex interaction between pandemics and society, using primarily the example of England.

Content

The 14th century represents a major watershed in the course of global history. The four most catastrophic events of the last millennium occurred in this period: the Great Famine of 1315-17, the Great Cattle Epizootic of 1317-21, the Black Death of 1346-53, and the second plague epidemic of 1356-63. The world was experiencing extreme environmental stress, social unrest and major climate change. The resonances with our own experiences in the face of Covid-19 could not be more striking or relevant. How did people cope? What was the role of government? What were the short-, medium- and long-term consequences?

This course will explore these questions primarily through the experience of England, which is the best documented region in the world in this century. It will also encourage you to consider how historians have sought to explain catastrophic events and how they have fitted them into long-term patterns of development of human societies. We will consider why famines occur, and how global climate change impacted upon local communities. Likewise, how pandemics developed, and how governments and commentators responded to them. It will also explore how these events affected the role of women in society and also marginal or excluded groups, such as the poor and serfs.

Catastrophes create opportunities, too, and the English response to those opportunities was markedly different to many other parts of Europe and north Africa. In 1300 its society, economy and political institutions all lagged behind developments in the leading regions, yet by 1400 England was one of the regions diverging from the rest of the continent and taking the first tentative steps towards modernity. Some historians argue that women’s lifestyles were transformed after the Black Death, and the modern nuclear family emerged. Excluded groups such as serfs and the poor fared better, as wealth inequalities reduced and serfdom dissolved.

This module provides an entertaining, fresh and fascinating introduction to medieval history, whilst revealing how some of the most significant institutional features of modern Britain began to take shape.

Presentation of the course

The course will be delivered through five lectures based on bespoke PowerPoint presentations. Opportunities to ask questions will be provided at recap points during each lecture. In addition, you will be provided with some original resources that will form the basis of some limited group discussion.

Class sessions

1. Introduction. Global climate change, and mounting environmental and social stress, 1300 to 1350.

2. The Great Famine and the Great Cattle Epizootic 1315 to 1322.

3. The Black Death and its immediate effects, 1340 to 1380.

4. Responding to pandemics: government, religion, and social unrest, 1350 to 1400.

5. Opportunities: women, serfdom and the Little Divergence. Conclusion.

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes for this course are:
1. A basic knowledge of the incidence and impact of famine, animal epizootics, climate change and epidemic disease on 14th-century society.
2. An understanding of how society responded to pandemics, and the forces shaping resilience in response to them, including opportunities for women and for disadvantaged sections of society.
3. Understanding of how and why England and northwest Europe adapted to the opportunities presented by the Black Death to move ahead of the rest of Europe, Asia and Africa in economic performance and on the road to modernity: the so-called Little Divergence

Required reading

There is no required reading

Typical week: Monday to Friday

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students. 

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.

Evaluation and Academic Credit 

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses. 

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay.

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.

Certificate of attendance

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.