2026/27 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MEDV5157M Learning a Language for Medieval Studies

15 Credits Class Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Iona McCleery
Email: i.mccleery@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Co-requisites

LANG5050M Czech and Intercultural Studies
LANG5070M Egyptian Arabic and Intercultural Studies
LANG5080M Modern Standard Arabic and Intercultural Studies
LANG5090M French and Intercultural Studies
LANG5100M German and Intercultural Studies
LANG5110M Italian and Intercultural Studies
LANG5120M Japanese and Intercultural Studies
LANG5130M Korean and Intercultural Studies
LANG5140M Mandarin and Intercultural Studies
LANG5150M Portuguese and Intercultural Studies
LANG5160M Spanish and Intercultural Studies
LANG5190M Persian and Intercultural Studies
LANG5220M Urdu and Intercultural Studies

Module replaces

MEDV5152M Learning a Language in Medieval Studies

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module offers an innovative and immersive way to study language at MA level. It is designed to bridge the gap between modern language learning and historical research, giving you hands-on experience in applying your skills to real medieval sources. In the first semester, you will develop skills in modern language by attending language classes in the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, where you will receive structured training in your chosen language. As part of this module, in the second semester, you will take part in specialist seminars in the Institute for Medieval Studies on medieval varieties of your chosen language. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to enable you to extend your learning of a modern language relevant to Medieval Studies to research medieval primary sources in the chosen language.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. Navigate key language-learning and study resources for the medieval variety of their target language;
2. Translate medieval primary sources into modern English;
3. Critically assess existing translations of primary sources from the language being studied.

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

4. Select, use and adapt digital tools and resources to achieve specific goals;
5. Evaluate similarities and respect similarities and differences across different international cultures or groups of people.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Seminars 10 1 10
Private study hours 140
Total Contact hours 10
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 150

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The portfolio will be based on classroom activities with discussion and class feedback. You will also receive individual feedback on a seminar presentation about a piece of translated text (either your own or one that you are critiquing).

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Portfolio 100
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Assessment for this module is designed to support your ability to apply your language skills to medieval texts. You will compile a portfolio of homework assignments, which will allow you to demonstrate not only your translation skills but also your understanding of how and why your chosen language changed.

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 28/05/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team