| Unit name | Medieval Mystics and Visionaries in Medieval England |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRSM0100 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| 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 |
Why is this unit important?
The mystical tradition of medieval Christianity is one of the most fascinating parts of the history of Christianity, bringing us face to face with a diverse, rich, and intensely personal display of human religious experience. In particular, the mystical texts from the later middle ages allow the voices of women writers to emerge in a unique and immensely valuable way. However, the material covered in this unit does more than entertain and fascinate us; studying medieval mystics challenges and deepens our understanding not only of medieval religion, but also of the diverse roles played by the mystical in human religion more generally. Understanding what characterised the mystical tradition of medieval Christianity requires us to address profound questions about the nature of mysticism and mystical experience, and also about what religious experience is, and how it might fit into a more comprehensive picture of human knowledge and understanding.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Specialist subject options are offered in the final years of the Religion and Theology MArts programmes, and as part of some school and faculty MA programmes. It is standard practice for MArts to take three specialist options, and for MAs to take at least three, depending on their programme. The portfolio of units available will change from year to year based on staff availability, but it will consistently represent a full range of research strengths across the department, as well as demonstrating our commitment to supporting choice and providing increased optionality as students’ progress through their programme.
An overview of content
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 will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
This unit will change the way you see the history of Christianity, and provide new perspectives from which you can reach a more accurate grasp of our own current ideas about mystical and religious experience.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
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.
Tasks which do not count towards your unit mark but are required for credit (zero-weighted):
Present research question for your research essay (see summative assessments below) to Y3s in class, and lead classroom discussion of the question (0%, credit-bearing) [ILOs 1-5]
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
1. Annotated bibliography (1,500 words) (20%) [ILOs 3, 5]
2. Research essay on a topic chosen by the student (4,000 words) (80%) [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/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
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. THRSM0100).
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 University 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. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
