Debates on Plague: The Black Death and the Formation of Europe

Host University

University of Glasgow

Location

Glasgow, Scotland

Area of Study

History

Language Level

Taught In English

Prerequisites

Short Description The course will examine the Black Death and its consequences across a wide spectrum of questions-the character of the disease and epidemiology; economy and growth of towns; social conflict and changes in society and gender; art; literature; popular piety and the church; psychology and mentality--the ways Europeans combated their most fearsome invisible enemy, the plague. The aims of the History honours programme, to which this course contributes, are:1. to develop the intellectual interests and analytical skills you acquired during your first two years;2. the opportunity to study previously unfamiliar methodological approaches, chronological periods and geographical areas by offering a wide and flexible choice of options;3. the opportunity to develop skills in historical computing, as well as basic IT awareness;4. to introduce complex historical debates and interpretations, to develop skills in interpreting primary sources where appropriate, and to inform these discussions with new ideas derived from lecturers? current research; and5. to encourage the development of transferable skills by fostering individual initiative, personal choice, group discussion and, where appropriate, problem-solving team work. By the end of this course students will be able to demonstrate the ability to: ? understand aspects of the plague?s transmission, signs, and symptoms from primary sources? Analyze the immediate, medium and long term effects of the plague on demography psychology, politics, and religion ? Articulate the ways in which plague shaped European history, the extent to which it ended the Middle Ages and ushered in a new historical period ? Engage with, and critically evaluate, the debates on plague from ?what was the disease?? to whether it was the underlying reason for the Reformation Assessment:Coursework - class essay (2000 words approximately) - 20%Examination duration - 120 mins - 70%Coursework - seminar presentation - 6%

Course Level Recommendations

Upper

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