Aims of the course
This course aims to:
1. To convey something of the distinctiveness of European history in the late Middle Ages.
2. To highlight both similarities and differences between the experiences of the European polities in this period.
3. To offer an introduction to some of the sources which historians use for the study of the period.
Content
For long, the late Middle Ages were seen as the poor relation of the central, or ‘high’, Middle Ages, a period far less attractive to historians than its predecessor, and certainly viewed less favourably. It was the central Middle Ages that were regarded as witnessing the peak of medieval achievement -the late medieval period, by contrast, being dismissed as a time of decadence and decay, a low point between the twin peaks of the 12th Century Renaissance and its 14th-and15th-century successor.
No longer, however, are the late Middle Ages brushed off so lightly. Viewed more sympathetically, and on their own terms, they are regarded as a period which witnessed vital social and economic change, and in which many of the foundations were laid for the modern world. The aim of the course is to show how this historiographical revolution has come about and to examine some of the evidence on which it is based.
Attention will be paid, first, to the late medieval economy, taking in not only the demographic collapse brought about by plague and the contraction which accompanied it but also the rise in per capita living standards, the expansion in consumption and the reorganisation of the countryside. After this, the spotlight will be shone on the political developments of the period, in particular on the widening of political society and the periodic eruptions of the lower orders. This analysis will lead onto a consideration of the warfare of the period, most notably the Hundred Years War between England and France, a conflict which brought havoc to France but also contributed to the formation of French nationhood and the strengthening of the French monarchy.
The course will end with a look, first, at the rich cultural achievements of the period, in particular the so-called Northern Renaissance in Burgundy, and then at the late medieval Church, which, as the evidence of wills and churchwardens’ accounts shows, had roots in a strongly felt popular piety.
Presentation of the course
The course will be taught in five informal classes offering plenty of opportunity for question and discussion.
Class sessions
1. The late medieval economy: collapse or improvement?
2. Political society: conflict and reconciliation
3. War as an agent of change
4. The late medieval Church: crisis and revival
5. Renaissances north and south
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes for this course are:
1.The ability to reflect critically on different interpretations of the history of the late Middle Ages.
2.The ability to identify and evaluate sources for the history of late medieval Europe.
3.The ability to appreciate the process of change over time.
Required reading
A Curry, The Hundred Years’ War (Basingstoke: Palgrave, paperback edition, 2003)
D Herlihy, The Black Death and the Transformation of the West (Harvard University Press, paperback edition, 1997)
George Holmes, Europe: Hierarchy and Revolt, 1320-1450 (2nd edition, Oxford: Blackwell, 2000)
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.
c.7.30am-9.00am
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Breakfast in College (for residents)
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9.00am-10.30am
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Am Course
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11.00am-12.15pm
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Plenary Lecture
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12.15pm-1.30pm
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Lunch
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1.30pm-3.00pm
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Pm Course
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3.30pm-4.45pm
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Plenary Lecture/Free
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6.00pm/6.15pm-7.15pm
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Dinner in College (for residents)
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7.30pm onwards
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Evening talk/Event/Free
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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.