Module manager: Professor Alan Murray
Email: A.V.Murray@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
In 1095, Pope Urban II appealed to the people of Western Europe to join an armed pilgrimage to assist the ailing Byzantine empire and free the Holy Land from Turkish rule. He called into existence a new form of holy war, in which Christians believed they could attain salvation by fighting for their faith. The different expeditions that responded to Urban's appeal overcame hostile powers, famine, privation, and internal disputes, to liberate many Christian communities and recover the city of Jerusalem in July 1099. The First Crusade brought about a major reconfiguration in the geopolitics of the Near East, and established a military-religious movement that would have an impact on Western European society for the next two centuries. In the module, you will explore how The First Crusade brought about a major reconfiguration in the geopolitics of the Near East, and established a military-religious movement that would have an impact on Western European society for the next two centuries. 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.
The aim of the module is to equip you with the skills needed to study and understand the causes, course, and consequences of the expeditions launched by Pope Urban II for the liberation of the Holy Land in 1096. The First Crusade was one of the best documented events in medieval history, and the wide range of surviving narratives and letters (all studied in English translation) dealing with a period of just over four years allows us to study the events and personalities involved in great detail. The module will be structured chronologically, allowing a close analysis of events, but we will also devote time to considering wider thematic questions.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically evaluate the genesis, course and impact of the expeditions to the Holy Land in 1096-1099. 2. Analyse the interaction of different political, religious and military cultures.
3. Compare and evaluate diverse primary sources for the events studied.
4. Evaluate the main trends in the modern study of the crusades.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Communicate complex ideas relating to historical contexts
6. Locate, handle and synthesize large amounts of historical information.
7. Apply analytical and problem-solving abilities to the study of medieval history.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 179.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
You will receive written feedback on one commentary on a primary source extract before the deadline for the first assignment. You will have the opportunity to discuss reading and an essay plan in a one-to-one meeting prior to the deadline for the essay assignment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Source Commentary | 50 |
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 22/07/2025
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