University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 60

ECTS credits : 30

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: Full Year

Availability restrictions: Before taking this module, students must have satisfied the Honours entry requirements established by the School of History; available only to students in the second year of the Honours Programme

Planned timetable: TBC

The Merovingian dynasty – ‘the long-haired kings’ – dominated the medieval West for three hundred years after the Fall of Rome. This special subject explores political, social and religious life under their rule, and asks how their power was eroded by civil war, factionalism and the challenges of holy men until they became the infamous ‘do-nothing kings’ of later legend. Classes will draw on the epic and ironic histories of Gregory of Tours (d. 594) and Fredegar (d. 660), a wealth of highly politicised saints’ Lives, and legal texts.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour weekly seminar and optional office hour

Scheduled learning hours: 88

Guided independent study hours: 512

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 60% Coursework 40% Examination (2x2-hour Exams)

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 60%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 40%

Re-assessment: 100% Coursework

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Professor J Palmer

Intended learning outcomes

• Demonstrate a capacity to construct original arguments.
• Demonstrate an understanding of a range of original source types, including hagiography and letters.
• Demonstrate an understanding of politics and religion in the post-Roman world.