Dressing the Past: Costume and Status in the Medieval World
Level 1 (CQFW Level 4), 10 Credits.
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Middle Ages in popular novels and films is a colourful place full of knights and ladies. This course will examine how the medieval world saw itself though illuminated manuscripts, art and literature. These sources will help us understand the importance of status as expressed through dress and many details of the physical and spiritual worlds as depicted in literature and art.
The syllabus content will include:
- An introduction to the medieval period: illuminated manuscripts, art and literature.
- The art and status of dress and costume.
- The concept of the Lady and the Knight in the medieval period.
- The physical and spiritual world of the Middle Ages.
- How the Middle Ages are perceived in contemporary times in popular novels and films.
Who is this course for?
Anyone with an interest in the subject. No previous knowledge is assumed.
Learning and Teaching
There will be a mixture of short lectures and discussion, the precise proportion to be determined by the needs of the students enrolled. Also we will discuss case-studies, including visual sources and source criticism. This will encourage the development of knowledge and understanding of the topics and ideas discussed in the course. Intellectual skills will be encouraged through participation in class discussion, reading and coursework.
Coursework and Assessment
Essays or other equivalent written assignments to a total of 1500 words demonstrating an understanding of core elements of the course material.
To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved. Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.
You will not have formal examinations but you may have class tests. You may be asked to write assignments, keep a course journal or put together a portfolio. Our assessments are flexible to suit the course and the student.
The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning. Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.
Reading suggestions
Anne van Buren, Illuminating Fashion Dress in the Art of medieval France and the Netherlands (The Morgan Library, 2011)
Peter Coss The Lady in medieval England (Stroud,1998)
The Knight in Medieval England (Stroud, 1993)
Helen Castor, She-wolves: the Women who Ruled England Before Elizabeth (Faber & Faber, 2012)
Maurice Keen, Nobles Knights and Men at Arms in the Middle Ages (Continuum, 1996)
The Outlaws of Medieval Legend (Univ. of Toronto Press, 1978)
Library and Computing Facilities
As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University library and computing facilities. You can find out more about these facilities on our website www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn under Student Information, or by ringing the Centre on
(029) 2087 0000.
Accessibility of Courses
Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and Dyslexia screening. Please contact the Centre on (029) 2087 0000 for an information leaflet.
Further Information
A range of further information can be found on our web site www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn or in Choices. This includes the times and dates of courses and an explanation of accreditation and credit levels.