HIS32880 Sexuality and Society

Academic Year 2024/2025

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
- developed skills in oral and written analysis
- developed skills in learning with others

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)

22
Specified Learning Activities

95
Autonomous Student Learning

95
Total

223
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is delivered through weekly lectures and seminars. The lectures provide guidance for weekly topics, introducing sources and debates. The seminars complement these through small-group active learning and peer discussion, focused on primary sources and their interpretation.

Autonomous learning is encouraged through required preparatory reading each week, and a formative and summative written assignment. Research, writing and citation skills are incorporated into seminar work and are assessed in the module's written assignments.
 
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
Participation in Learning Activities: Students will be graded on their participation in learning activities during seminars. This is not based on attendance but on active discussion and participation both individually and in group work. n/a Graded No

20
Assignment(Including Essay): The first assignment will be a formative learning portfolio, incorporating a reflective journal (focused on the lectures and seminars) and an essay plan incorporating planning and citation. n/a Graded No

30
Assignment(Including Essay): The final assignment is a summative 3000 word essay incorporating the main contents and themes of the module while using the skills of critical reading and analysis. n/a Graded No

50

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring 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.