HS3SRM-Ritual, Myth and Magic in Early Modern Europe

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Prof Helen Parish

Email: h.l.parish@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Specials aim to provide 'hands-on' experience of the historian's task through close examination and evaluation of primary sources and the light they shed on issues and problems. This module explores the invisible worlds of Reformation Europe, and the central role of conceptions of the supernatural and the afterlife in shaping the Western imagination.

Aims:

Specials aim to provide 'hands-on' experience of the historian's task through close examination and evaluation of primary sources and the light they shed on issues and problems. This module explores the invisible worlds of Reformation Europe, and the central role of conceptions of the supernatural and the afterlife in shaping the Western imagination.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• undertake detailed textual analysis and comment on the primary materials


• achieve a detailed command of varying historical interpretations of the primary materials and subject as a whole


• organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing under timed conditions


• recognise and interpret a wide range of different primary materials


• locate and assemble information on the subject by independent research


• deploy primary materials to shed light on the issues and problems being studied

Additional outcomes:

This module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the student’s effectiveness in group situations. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources.

Outline content:

This module explores the invisible worlds of Reformation Europe, and the central role of conceptions of the supernatural and the afterlife in shaping the Western imagination. Through a series of interconnected case studies, we will examine the complex nature of the relationship between faith, ritual, magic and superstition, and the diverse ways in which the inhabitants of early modern Europe interacted with the visible and invisible world around them. ÌýTopics for consideration include debates over the place of angels, ghosts, and fairies in post-reformation religious culture, demons, demonologies and witchcraft, as well as ideas about sacred time and space, and beliefs about death and the afterlife. Primary sources include early printed books, sermons, images, and trial records as well as aspects of material culture that shed light upon the interactions between the living, dead, and their physical environment. ÌýBroader themes for discussion include the ways in which aspects of belief were reimagined and reappropriated in this period, the relationship between the reformation, scepticism and doubt, and the connections between pastoral and political imperative and popular belief.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The teaching for this module involves weekly two-hour discussion seminars.

Students will gain ‘hands-on’ experience of the historian’s task through the detailed evaluations of key texts, and the light they shed on the issues and problems being investigated.

Students will be required to prepare for seminars through reading from both the primary sources and the secondary literature.

Students are expected to carry out self-directed revision in the summer term. Staff will be available for consultation as necessary.

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	22	22
Tutorials	2
Placement	176	178
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term	200	200
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	400

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	40
Written assignment including essay	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

A two-hour paper involving detailed commentary on extracts from the sources studied.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will write two essays (each constituting 30% of the overall mark for the module) to be submitted electronically, the first by 12 noon on the Monday of Week 5Ìýin the spring term, the second by 12 noon on the Friday of Week 1 in the summer term. Each essay shall not exceed 3,000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography. Essays which exceed the word limit by more than 5% will incur a penalty of five marks. Candidates will be rewarded for making appropriate use of the prescribed texts.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative work, for instance seminar presentations, book reviews, posters, practice source commentaries, will be required for this Special Subject over the two terms.

Practice commentaries on the sources will be required for formative assessment.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-assessment will be by the same method as the module’s original requirement, subject to variation by the Examination Board where appropriate

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2019