The Medieval and Early Modern World (HIST1400)

Course overview

This first-year History course introduces the medieval and early modern world through the lens of the plague and disease. Drawing on a rich variety of contemporary sources and critical discussion, it explores the fundamental social, political, religious, and cultural experiences of these respective periods, with a view to developing and enriching students' understanding of historical methods and practice along the way.

Welcome to the Medieval and Early Modern World. This course introduces students to the study of History at a university level, providing the foundation elements of historical inquiry by building the necessary skill set required to read, research and write histories. By examining a rich variety of primary and secondaryﾠsource materials, alongside critical discussion in lectures and tutorials, this course examines the histories of human experiences of plague in the medieval and early modern periods and situates these encounters within their historical contexts. Over the semester, students will examine a range of historicalﾠsources to learn and develop critical abilities in:

• the evaluation of primary and secondary sources;
• critical historical analysis and writing;
• formulating and explaining historical arguments;
• grasping key historical concepts, traditions, interpretations, and practices;ﾠ
• group discussion;
• independent research; and
• bibliographic skills and other historical conventions.

Through a structured combination of lectures, in-class discussions, and assignments, students can expect a thorough introduction to the discipline and practice of History at the professional level and a foundational understanding of the medieval and early modern worlds.

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

Welcome to the Medieval and Early Modern World. Through a rich variety of contemporary sources and critical discussion, this course introduces you to the important skills needed for studying History. We will examine examples of historical outbreaks of the plague in the medieval and early modern periods and locate these periods of extreme hardship in their broader social, cultural, religious and political contexts. We will use primary source materials and consult key modern scholarship to investigate how plague and disease shaped medieval and early modern Europe and consider how broader factors in these periods—including ideas about religion, society, gender, science and medicine—shaped the way people responded to the plague in the fourteenth to eighteenth centuries. While this course primarily focuses on European history, we will also turn occasionally to consider the evidence for plague in Africa, Asia and the Americas. By using the plague as a window onto the medieval and early modern world, this course aims to provide students with the necessary skills to pursue the discipline into the second and third year (and beyond).

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment details

Primary Source Analysis

Mode

Written

Category

Essay/ Critique

Weight

25% 800 words

Due date

23/08/2024 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L04, L05

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit via Turnitin in the course Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Annotated Bibliography

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

20% 500 words

Due date

20/09/2024 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit via Turnitin in the course Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Essay

Mode

Written

Category

Essay/ Critique

Weight

45% 1200 words

Due date

25/10/2024 2:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit via Turnitin in the course Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Tutorial Participation

Mode

Activity/ Performance

Category

Participation/ Student contribution

Weight

10%

Due date

29/07/2024 - 18/10/2024

Assessed at weekly tutorials.

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03

Task description

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

Tutorial Participation Assessment Criteria

Your tutorial participation will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1. Evidence of participation in discussions.
2. Evidence of preparation for the tutorial, most notably through completing the set readings.
3. Quality of contributions to discussions.
4. Fostering of group discussions, through courteous and respectful interactions with staff and students. 
5. Attendance is necessary to fulfill the above criteria, as per the course requirements, but marks cannot be awarded for attendance alone.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85–100%), your attendance will be flawless and your participation exceptional. This grade reflects exceptional levels of preparation, mastery of course materials, and very high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers very effectively.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75–84) your attendance will be excellent and your participation very substantial. This grade reflects excellent levels of preparation, knowledge of course materials, and high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers effectively.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65–74%), your attendance and participation will be good. This grade reflects proficient levels of preparation, good knowledge of course materials, and good quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50–64%) your attendance and participation will be satisfactory. This grade reflects adequate levels of preparation and knowledge of course materials, and an acceptable quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45–49%) your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation and superficial knowledge of course materials and basic levels of preparation. However, when in attendance, there is evidence of your ability to demonstrate developing achievement in contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25–44%), your attendance and participation will be very unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, minimal knowledge of course materials, little evidence of preparation, and mixed to low quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0–24%), your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, an no evidence of preparation, and little or no evidence of quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.

Primary Source Analysis Assessment Criteria

Your analysis will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1. Ability to identify author or creator of the item.
2. Ability to explain the context of the item.
3. Ability to identify the key components, themes or features that allow critical appreciation.
4. Ability to explain the significance of the item.
5. Ability to critique various interpretations of an item and to employ interpretive perspectives, when applicable.
6. Clear and concise written expression, well presented.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85–100%), you should demonstrate that you have an exceptional and highly nuanced understanding of the text, document, inscription or object. Your analysis should be critical and sophisticated, and provide a thorough assessment of the item’s wider context/uses. Your writing will be very clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75–84%), you should demonstrate that you have an advanced level of understanding of the text, document, inscription or object. Your analysis should be critical and provide a thorough assessment of the item’s wider context/uses. Your writing will clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve grade of 5 (Credit, 65–74%), you should demonstrate that you have a proficient understanding of the text, document, inscription or object. Your analysis should be well considered and provide a fundamental assessment of the item’s wider context/uses. The presentation and referencing of your essay will follow/largely follow discipline conventions, have few/some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50–64%), you should demonstrate that you have a functional understanding of the text, document, inscription or object. Your analysis should provide a basic level of information and offer an adequate assessment of the item’s wider context/uses. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45–49%), you will need to show that you have a superficial understanding of the text, document, inscription or object. Your analysis should demonstrate that you have a developing understanding of the assessment item and its wider context/uses. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate/poor and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25–44%), your work will show that you have only a minimal understanding of the text, document, inscription or object. Your analysis will demonstrate that you have not understood fundamental concepts or the wider context/uses of the item. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

 To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0–24%), your analysis will fail to demonstrate that you understand the text, document, inscription or object. Your analysis will not provide evidence that you have grasped fundamental concepts or the wider context/uses of the item. Your standard of presentation and expression and use of discipline conventions will be poor or inadequate.

Annotated Bibliography Assessment Criteria

Your annotated bibliography will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1. Identification of relevant scholarly literature and secondary sources.
2. Identification of suitable primary sources or original materials (if applicable).
3. Relevant and insightful annotations identifying key themes and uses of the sources.
4. Written expression and correct referencing style.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85–100%), your annotated bibliography should demonstrate that you have an exceptional range of original research materials, have incorporated relevant scholarly literature comprehensively, and have critically identified suitable primary sources or original materials (if applicable). Your annotations will be sophisticated and very insightful, and demonstrate an exceptional level of understanding of relevant scholarly issues. Your writing will be very clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75–84%), your annotated bibliography should demonstrate that you have an advanced range of research materials, have substantially incorporated relevant scholarly literature and have critically identified suitable primary sources or original materials (if applicable). Your annotations will be very insightful, demonstrating a very high degree of understanding of relevant scholarly issues. Your writing will be clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65–74%), your annotated bibliography should demonstrate that you have a proficient range of research materials, have incorporated relevant scholarly literature well and have identified suitable primary sources or original materials (if applicable) proficiently. Your annotations will be capable, demonstrating good understanding of relevant scholarly issues. The presentation and referencing of your bibliography will follow/largely follow discipline conventions, have few/some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50–64%), your annotated bibliography should demonstrate that you have a functional range of research materials, that you have incorporated relevant scholarly literature adequately, and that you have identified some suitable primary sources or original materials (if applicable). Your annotations will demonstrate that you have achieved a basic understanding of some relevant scholarly issues. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately. 

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45–49%), your annotated bibliography should reflect developing levels of achievement. It falls short of a pass as you will have presented an inadequate range of research materials, incorporated relevant scholarly literature superficially, and poorly identified suitable primary sources or original materials (if applicable). Your annotations attempt to demonstrate a basic understanding of some relevant scholarly issues only. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate/poor and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25–44%), your annotated bibliography will offer only a minimal range of research materials, will demonstrate poor or no incorporation of relevant scholarly literature and/or suitable primary sources or original materials (if applicable). Your annotations do not show a basic understanding of some relevant scholarly issues. Your bibliography will be inadequately presented with poor regard for scholarly conventions.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0–24%), your annotated bibliography will fail to supply an adequate range of research materials, to incorporate relevant scholarly literature and/or primary sources (if applicable), and will not demonstrate sufficient understanding of relevant scholarly issues. Use of discipline conventions will be absent, poor or inappropriate.

Essay Assessment Criteria

Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria: 

1. Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument.
2. Depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of central issues.
3. Ability to form a well-structured essay.
4. Engagement with academic sources and evidence.
5. Insight and/or creativity in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument.
6. Capacity to produce a coherent and well-written essay using correct grammar and syntax.
7. Appropriately referenced, as per discipline conventions.

To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85–100%), your essay should reflect an exceptional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken extensive, high-level research, that you are able to form a very rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is original and creative. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and organise data and/or evidence in a critical manner and that you have a sophisticated and insightful understanding of problems and issues. Your essay should be very well written, clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75–84%), your essay should reflect an advanced level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken wide research, that you are able to form a rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is coherent and convincing. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a perceptive manner, and that your understanding of problems and issues is perceptive and insightful. Your essay should be well written, clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation.

To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65–74%) your essay should reflect a proficient level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken the expected level of research, that you are able to develop or adapt convincing arguments and justify them adequately, that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a proficient manner, and that you have a proficient understanding of problems and issues. The presentation and referencing of your essay will largely follow discipline conventions, perhaps have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50–64%) your essay should reflect a functional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you are able to apply fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research and have the basic ability to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, to offer insights and to develop routine arguments. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately.

To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45–49%) your essay should reflect developing levels of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have a superficial level of knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research, made some attempt to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and to offer some insights. Your arguments, while underdeveloped, show your emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate, perhaps poor, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25–44%) your essay will reflect deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent.

To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0–24%), your essay will reflect that you have failed to meet the minimum learning requirements and skill acquisition for this course. Your essay will demonstrate an absence of research, evaluation of data and/or evidence, and lack argumentation. Use of discipline conventions will be absent, poor or inappropriate, and written expression poor or inappropriate

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

• Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
• By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration: ‘I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
• All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
• A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing.
  Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after 7 calendar days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.
• It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
• Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1
• Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.
• For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Besides the required readings in the course reading list, further reading suggestions and resources are listed on the course Blackboard site.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.