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Unit information: Medieval Mystics and Visionaries in Medieval England in 2022/23

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Medieval Mystics and Visionaries in Medieval England
Unit code THRS30049
Credit points 20
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Sonnesyn
Open unit status Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)

none

Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)

none

Units you may not take alongside this one

none

School/department Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Unit Information

Why is this unit important

This unit will focus on the mystical tradition that flourished in England in the late Middle Ages. In our examination of mysticism we will consider its historical context, questions of gender, and the differences, if any, between theology and mysticism. Students will be encouraged to read the various mystical texts in their original Middle English in order to examine how the nuance of language shapes the contours of theological concepts and expression.

How does this unit fit into your programme of study

The class is open to all students interested in learning about Christianity and mysticism. There are no formal prerequisites, although students will benefit if they have taken the first-year unit Living Religions West, as well as other Christianity units taught in the department of Religion and Theology.

Your learning on this unit

How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit

As part of this unit, students will gain and in-depth understanding of medieval mysticism in England. They will be exposed to primary sources in translation, key scholarship on the topic, and will refine their writing skills. Furthermore, students will strengthen their critical thinking, textual interpretation, historical analysis, and argumentation in written and oral communication. 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of medieval mystics, visionaries and mysticism in England;
  2. apply an in-depth understanding of the historical and theological contexts to the role of mystics and visionaries;
  3. analyse and evaluate competing perceptions of medieval mysticism;
  4. identify and evaluate pertinent evidence/data in order to illustrate/demonstrate a cogent argument;
  5. apply high level skills in evaluating, analysing, synthesising and (where apt) critiquing images and ideas appropriate to level 6/H.

How you will learn

Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback. 

How you will be assessed

Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):

1x 2000 word portfolio (40%) [ILOs 1-5].                               

1 X 3000-word summative essay (60%) [ILOs 1-5]. 

When assessment does not go to plan 

When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THRS30049).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

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