HIST*4140*01: Sexuality in the Middle Ages
Course Synopsis: This course will examine the foundations of Western attitudes towards sexuality, as they developed in the European Middle Ages. The course is historiographical in methodology and thematic in approach. We will focus on how historians have understood and discussed complex issues of human sex and sexuality, and the impact of contemporary debates on formulating and reformulating the study of medieval sexuality. The course is learner-centred with responsibility resting with the students. There will be weekly discussions and short written assignments on the course materials. Students may elect to have a final grade based on their coursework or a combination of their coursework and a final take-home essay. Grades will be averaged out of 100%.
Method of Delivery: One interactive lecture/discussion per week (3 hours)
Learning Outcomes:
After successful completion of this course, students will:
- understand some of the fluid and intersectional issues that together comprise human sexuality across time and cultures;
- have engaged with the major theoretical debates and methodological challenges that underlie the study of the history of sex/sexuality;
- have experience critiquing and evaluating contradictory, differing, or conflicting interpretations of historical questions;
- have engaged in historiographical analysis and debate;
- have written critiques and developed persuasive arguments.
Method of Evaluation and Weights:
- Weekly Seminar Participation – 30%
- Weekly Analytical Assignments (5 x 10%) – 50%
- Primary Source Assignment – 10%
- Optional Final Take-Home Essay – 10%
Texts Required:
All readings will be provided through the Library (ARES) or Courselink.
