HIS32880 Sexuality and Society

Academic Year 2022/2023

*** Not available in the academic year indicated above ***

.This module will explore the profound impact of the organisation of sexuality, gender and biology in early Mediterranean and European societies. It will begin by examining Classical legacies and their appropriation and assimilation by expanding Christianities. It will show how these informed societies ranging from the late Roman Empire to the realms of the Franks, English and Irish. From Beowulf to Cú Chulainn, from Brigit to Brunhild, assumptions around gender and identity shaped early medieval worlds and their organisation of power. Topics covered will include sexuality and biology in the Roman Empire, gender in early Christianity, biology and law in early Ireland and the depiction of masculinities and femininities among the Irish, Franks and English. The complex attitudes towards biology and identity will be a major theme for discussion throughout the module.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module students will have:
• An understanding of the role played by biological gender in late antiquity and the early middle ages
• A knowledge of the distinctions made between spiritual identity and biological identity by early Christian writers
• A knowledge of the formative role played by sexuality in the organisation of societies in the early medieval west, especially in Ireland, England and Frankia
• Familiarity with portrayals of the masculine and feminine in the early medieval west

Indicative Module Content:

The following is an indicative list of weekly topics:

• Body and society in the Roman Empire
• From medicine to morality? Being masculine, being feminine
• Sexuality and biology in early Christianity
• Law and gender in early medieval Europe I: Early medieval Ireland
• Law and gender in early medieval Europe II: Frankia and England
• Being masculine: heroes and saints
• From Beowulf to Cú Chulainn: the limits of masculinity
• Being feminine: biology and power
• From Maeve to Brunhild: the limits of femininity
• Transformations: changing gender in late antiquity and the early middle ages

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

11
Seminar (or Webinar)

11
Specified Learning Activities

100
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

222
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is a small -group seminar-led module. It combines lectures with discussion-based seminars. As a group we consider both textual and material sources in order to better understand the lived reality of the distant past. At all times active engagement and participation is encouraged. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: End-of-Trimester Essay Week 12 n/a Graded No

40
Assignment: Mid-Trimester Essay Week 6 n/a Graded No

30
Continuous Assessment: Glossary, focused on the terms needed for the module Week 3 n/a Graded No

10
Continuous Assessment: Learning Portfolio consisting of a reflective journal and essay plan Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be made through two main methods - individual meetings with students (by video link, face-to-face or email) to help plan progress as well as written feedback on specific assignments. This will be supplemented with feedback on drafts of particular assignments.