Module manager: Dr Marta Cobb
Email: m.k.d.cobb@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is approved as a discovery module
The Middle Ages are often perceived as being in the distant past, and as such, irrelevant in the twenty-first century. Yet the medieval past still has currency in the modern world. This module will examine the use and adaptation of medieval images and narratives in political and popular culture, considering how agendas for the present and future can be fulfilled by making claims about the past. By considering topics such as the use of the medieval past in nationalist narratives, the perceived legacy of the Crusades, and popular culture alongside medieval primary source material, you will gain an understanding of how the present often co-opts the past, and how the past is always understood through the lens of the present. The module will look beyond the question of accuracy or inaccuracy in modern depictions of the Middle Ages to consider the aims and effects of these depictions. 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.
This module aims to explore the use and adaptation of medieval narratives and medieval history in modern political and popular culture. The learning activities will help you to critically analyse a range of sources and to examine the relationship between medieval primary source material and modern adaptations. You will analyse modern propaganda as well as modern adaptations of the medieval and reflect upon how medieval history has been appropriated to achieve specific aims.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically analyse ways of using and adapting the medieval past in political and popular culture.
2. Analyse a wide range of primary sources (both medieval and modern) including literature, artwork, documents, and films, using relevant interdisciplinary methods and approaches.
3. Critically examine the relationship between medieval primary source material and modern adaptations.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Articulate opinions and arguments, based on critical thinking and knowledge of complex historical ideas.
5. Evaluate different types of available evidence effectively.
6. Implement effective research skills.
7. Present visual materials considering the requirements of a public audience.
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 |
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Private study hours | 179.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Two seminars will be dedicated to discussing images and examples relating to particular themes (such as medievalism in propaganda, antisemitism, modern uses of the Crusades) that you will submit yourselves, with each of you presenting their image and discussing how it relates to the theme. Seminar discussion will be built around these images, helping you learn to assess visual evidence and think critically about it.
You will also receive formative feedback by participating in seminar activities such as by working in small groups to discuss primary sources or questions, considering how to create modern adaptations of medieval narratives, or more general seminar discussions. Working with your peers will help build skills in communication and team working, as well as critical thinking, analytical skills, and reflection.
You will also be given opportunities to discuss your essay and/or poster plans, amongst yourselves or with the convenor. You will be encouraged to present your posters in the final seminar in order to receive feedback before submitting the final version.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Analytical essay | 60 |
| Coursework | Group poster | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The re-sit format will be the same as for the original for both assessments, although, in the case of the poster assignment, the student may need to complete the poster individually.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 02/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team