Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit explores the emotions, beliefs and thought structures of people in pre-modern Europe 1100–1800. Drawing on methods from cultural history and the history of mentalities, we examine a range of questions such as: Were medieval women mystics who only ate the Eucharist 'anorexic'? Were Englishmen more prone to melancholy than their continental counterparts in Elizabethan times? Why were some early modern delusions, e.g. the belief that one was made of glass or clay, attributed to 'hypochondria', and others to demonic possession? In short, how were altered states of consciousness—from depression to divine illumination—understood, represented and treated, from medieval to early modern times?

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the History major sequence
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe and assess the basic methodological issues characteristic of the discipline of History; (2) describe, assess and evaluate methodological issues used in the study of mentalities in pre-modern Europe; (3) construct a logical argument (in written and in oral form); (4) demonstrate detailed understanding of developments in the history of mentalities, with particular reference to the history of altered states of consciousness, and an appreciation of the historiographical interpretations that have been advanced to explain them; (5) relate their independent source interpretations to the complex historiographical debates about histories of mentalities and histories of emotions; and (6) present advanced arguments in both written and oral assessments using the conventions of the historical discipline.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial participation and (2) written assignments. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Jacqueline Van Gent
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Any Level 2 History
or Level 2 Medieval and Early Modern Studies unit
or EURO2201 Civilisation and Barbarism in European Cultural History.
.
Incompatibility
MEMS2215 Mysticism, Melancholy and Madness
Contact hours
1 hour lecture, 1 hour workshop and 1 hour tutorial
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.