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ME33PW: POWER AND PIETY: MEDIEVAL EUROPE, 1100-1500 (2026-2027)

Last modified: 02 Apr 2026 13:46


Course Overview

Between 1200 and 1500 Christendom was afflicted by war, plague and climatic regression. The social fabric was questioned by popular revolt, while both the political and religious unity of earlier centuries began to crumble. This course offers a thematic survey of the later medieval west, as Europe emerged from Christendom.

Lectures and tutorials focus on religion, society, culture and the economy and environment. Throughout attention is devoted to the general European context, demonstrating whenever appropriate how particular themes relate to Scotland.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Jackson Armstrong

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Medicine (ME)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

Yes

One or more of these courses have a limited number of places. Priority access will be given to students for whom this course is compulsory. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for more details on this process.


Course Description

Between 1200 and 1500 Christendom was afflicted by war, plague and climatic regression. The social fabric was questioned by popular revolt, while both the political and religious unity of earlier centuries began to crumble. This course offers a thematic survey of the later medieval west, as Europe emerged from Christendom.

Lectures and tutorials focus on religion, society, culture and the economy and environment. Throughout attention is devoted to the general European context, demonstrating whenever appropriate how particular themes relate to Scotland.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2025 for 1st Term courses and 19 December 2025 for 2nd Term courses.

Summative Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 90
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback Word Count 2500
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseOffer explanations for these developments
ConceptualUnderstandOutline chronologically significant developments in medieval Europe
ProceduralEvaluateSearch for, and critically appraise, relevant literature
ProceduralEvaluateUndertake critical analysis of primary sources in translation
ReflectionAnalyseCritically reflect on the process of research and writing for assessments and class preparation and participation.
ReflectionCreateDevelop interpretations based on primary source materials

Tutorial/Seminar Participation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseOffer explanations for these developments
ConceptualUnderstandOutline chronologically significant developments in medieval Europe
ProceduralEvaluateUndertake critical analysis of primary sources in translation
ProceduralEvaluateSearch for, and critically appraise, relevant literature
ReflectionCreateDevelop interpretations based on primary source materials

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseOffer explanations for these developments
ProceduralEvaluateSearch for, and critically appraise, relevant literature
ProceduralEvaluateUndertake critical analysis of primary sources in translation
ReflectionCreateDevelop interpretations based on primary source materials
ReflectionAnalyseCritically reflect on the process of research and writing for assessments and class preparation and participation.
ConceptualUnderstandOutline chronologically significant developments in medieval Europe

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