Middle Ages: social and economic history

Academic year: 2008-2009 Course code module FLWG002900 Semester: 1st semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 45,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): Other (hours): Part-time program: 1/2 Instructor(s) Peter Stabel Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 1st semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties This is a specialist course on medieval history. Students are expected to be familiar with more general aspects of European medieval history and some crucial concepts of economic and social sciences. They are able to analyse and interpret historiography on the subject. *Sequentiality 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) Students learn about the major debates in medieval social and economic history and are confronted more in depth with one particular subject. Non Dutch speaking students write a short essay, which they will present in a colloquium at the end of the course 3. Course content The course is divided in two parts. In the first part major debates are analysed through the reading of fundamental historical literature (the discussion on continuity and discontinuity between antiquity and the middle ages, the discussion on the origins and development of the manorial system, the neo-Malthusian approach of the growth and crisis of the medieval economy, the Marxist approach, the Smithian approach and finally recent models of explaining the medieval economy). In the second part a particular theme will be investigated more thoroughly (2007-2008: patterns of international and interrregional trade 12th-16th centuries). The course is taught in Dutch in the first semester, but special arrangements will be made for English or French speaking students (including tutorials) Course materials are in English, French or German. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Seminars (possible question and answer sessions) Personal work: Assignments - individual 5. Assessment method Exam: Oral, with written preparation Continuous assessment: Assignments Presentation 6. Compulsory reading – study material John Hatcher en Mark Bailey, Modelling the Middle Ages. The History and Theory of England¿s Economic Development, Oxford 2001. A reader with source material and articles related to the specialised theme. 7. Recommended reading - study material nihil 8. Tutoring Regular English tutorials are scheduled for non Dutch speaking students laatste aanpassing: last update: 25/08/2008 10:56 peter.stabel