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ME3427   Nature and the Occult in the Late Middle Ages

Academic year(s): 2017-2018

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: See http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/history/infoug/ugtimetable

This module explores how late medieval European society understood its place in the universe. From the twelfth century onwards, Latin Christendom achieved advances in a number of areas of learning, partly as a result of increased contact with Arab and Greek knowledge. Students will examine developments in areas such as geography, natural philosophy, astronomy, and medicine, as well as looking at various occult practices such as magic, alchemy, and necromancy. The subjects touch upon what was the often blurry divide between categories such as natural and supernatural, magic and science, reason and faith, and licit and illicit.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass at least 60 credits from {ME1003, ME1006, ME2003, HI2001, MH2002}

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour seminar, plus 1 office hour.

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 280

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 60%, Coursework = 40%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 60%
Practical examinations : 10%
Coursework: 30%

Re-assessment: 4,000- to 5,000-word essay = 100%

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Dr A Del Campo