HS1RDG-Everyday Life in a Medieval Town: Reading, 1100-1500

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Ruth Salter
Email: r.j.salter@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Explore the origins of Reading and discover the town’s fascinating medieval past from c. 1100-1500. This module is optional for SINGLE HONOURS STUDENTS ONLY.

Aims:

This module examines the development of Reading as a town during the Middle Ages – a development that was largely due to Henry I’s decision to found an abbey here. The module charts the story of Reading through the medieval period and sets its history into the wider historical context of medieval England. It aims to show how studying local history can provide us with a better understanding of the medieval experience, while also allowing students to learn more about their university’s town.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• identify the sources of the topic in question


• trace its historical development


• be aware of the differing – and often competing – historiographical interpretations of the nature and causes of this development


• understand how ideas and events are shaped by their historical contexts


• organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing, both in timed exam conditions and assessed coursework


• demonstrate familiarity with bibliographical conventions and mastery of library skills.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims:

• to encourage students to think independently


• to help students develop good oral and written communication skills


• to develop the effectiveness of students in group situations


• to develop IT skills through the use of relevant resources.

Outline content:

This module will explore medieval Reading. The module will begin by setting the scene of early-medieval Reading: what was there before the monastery, how important was Reading pre-Norman Conquest, was there a nunnery at St Mary’s in the Butts? Attention then turns to the twelfth century and to Henry I’s foundation of the abbey: what can we learn about life in the monastery, what was the relationship between monastery and town/royalty/visitors etc.? As we move through the High Middle Ages into the Later Middle Ages, we will think about the development of the town itself and the rise of the guilds: what types of commerce was Reading involved with, how important was the Guild, how did the arrival of the Grey Friars impact the town? We finish our exploration with the Dissolution of the Monasteries, which marked the end of monastic interests in the town. This module will also include a tour of medieval Reading, taking in what is left of Reading Abbey’s ruins and the other medieval survivals.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching is by eight two-hour seminars over one term. Students are reminded to email their tutors for help and advice whenever needed and to note office hours.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		16	1
Tutorials		1
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)		16
Exam revision/preparation			25
Preparation for seminars		8
Completion of formative assessment tasks		8
Essay preparation		25
Total hours by term	0	74	26
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 1-hour unseen paper requiring 1 answer.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One written assignment of c. 1,250 words, to be submitted via Blackboard on Turnitin, by 12 noon on the submission deadline in Week 11 specified on the module site on Blackboard. Five marks will be deducted if the coursework essay exceeds 1,312 words (i.e. 5% over the word limit).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
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:

Where a re-sit is permitted, students will be assessed on the failed element(s) only in August. Any element(s) already passed will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. The module mark will be capped at a maximum of 40%. Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon on the third Friday of August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023