Workplace Supervisor: Ian Walsh, Blackthorn Productions

Interested students should contact: Dr. Ferreira, shumble@uoguelph.ca [2]

Course Synopsis:

Did you become interested in knights and armour as a student in elementary school? Are you interested in learning more about the culture of knighthood and Europe in the twelfth century and in teaching what you know to families and children? (Would you like to play with a trebuchet?) In this course you will volunteer with Blackthorn Productions, a local education company, to teach medieval history to elementary school students in and assist with “Knightsfest” on Family Day, 2020.  Your experiential learning opportunity will involve researching a specific topic related to noble culture in the twelfth century (e.g. weaponry, dance, heraldry) and presenting your knowledge in a through a hands-on activity or demonstration at Knightsfest. You will also have the opportunity to develop a ‘medieval persona’ (grounded in a specific historical context) and volunteer in a local classroom. The summary of your research will be presented to the Instructor and classmates in a final essay and presentation at the end of the semester. Your volunteer work will help make medieval history come alive and inspire young children to learn more about the Middle Ages!

Course Format:

Independent work with scheduled meetings.

Learning Outcomes:

By the successful completion of this course, an assiduous student will have learned to:

1. Communicate a knowledge of noble culture in medieval Europe
2. Research independently using an academic library
3. Evaluate historical information
4. Communicate research to a public audience and to children
5. Reflect upon your own work
6. Operate in a professional work environment

Methods of Evaluation and Weights:

Participation and Performance - 40%
Weekly Reflections - 20%
Final Presentation - 10%
Final Essay - 30%

Texts and/or Resources Required:

No Required Textbook.

Students enrolled in this course are required to obtain a criminal reference check before working at Knightsfest. The course instructor and supervisor will provide guidance on how to do so.

Project Timeline:

Week 1: Pre-arranged group meeting with Instructor and Work Supervisor to discuss workplace requirements (including criminal reference check to work in schools) and specific topic of research for Knightsfest.

Weeks 2-6: Alternate meetings with Instructor and Work Supervisor

Reading Week (Student must be available): Knightsfest Presentation at Guelph Youth Music Centre

Weeks 7-11:  At least one meeting with instructor and Work Supervisor. One or more classroom visits.  

Week 12: Final Essay and Presentation due.

*Please note: This is a preliminary web course description only.  The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description.  The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.