HS1MER-Merlin the Magician

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Anne Lawrence
Email: a.e.mathers-lawrence@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is optional for SINGLE HONOURS STUDENTS ONLY.

Aims:

The figure of Merlin the Magician has remained familiar from the twelfth century until the present day, especially in the Anglophone world. However, academic attention has focused on just two issues: the early origins of Merlin; and his role in literature. This Option takes a historical view of Merlin, and begins with the churchman and chronicler (and probable fraudster) who revealed Merlin to twelfth-century Europe – Geoffrey of Monmouth. Geoffrey wrote a History of the Kings of Britain in England during a period of major political tension, and the book was first read during the nineteen-year civil war which followed the death of King Henry I. In this book Merlin is a prophet rather than simply a magician, and his prophetic powers were fundamental to his growing reputation. This medieval Merlin was also a learned scientist, whose skills included astrology and an early version of alchemy, and this Option will explore his full range of knowledge, and what it reveals about medieval culture and society. We shall also trace the developments in these branches of knowledge up to the end of the medieval period, in order to challenge existing views as to the nature of beliefs about science and magic in this society.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• identify the sources of the topic in question •


• trace its historical development


• be aware of differing historiographical interpretations of the pattern and causes of this development


• understand how ideas and events are shaped by their historical contexts


• organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing, bo th under timed conditions and in assessed courseworkÌý


• demonstrate familiarity with bibliographical conventions and mastery of library skills.

Additional outcomes:
The module also aims:
£ to encourage students to think independently
£ to help students develop good oral and written communication skills
£ to develop the effectiveness of students in group situations
£ to develop IT skills through the use of relevant resources.

Outline content:

The figure of Merlin the Magician has remained familiar from the twelfth century until the present day, especially in the Anglophone world. However, academic attention has focused on just two issues: the early origins of Merlin; and his role in literature. This Option takes a historical view of Merlin, and begins with the churchman and chronicler (and probable fraudster) who revealed Merlin to twelfth-century Europe – Geoffrey of Monmouth. Geoffrey wrote a History of the Kings of Britai n in England during a period of major political tension, and the book was first read during the nineteen-year civil war which followed the death of King Henry I. In this book Merlin is a prophet rather than simply a magician, and his prophetic powers were fundamental to his growing reputation. This medieval Merlin was also a learned scientist, whose skills included astrology and an early version of alchemy, and this Option will explore his full range of knowledge, and what it reveals about medie val culture and society. We shall pay special attention to changes and developments in ideas concerning magic and science.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		16
Tutorials		10
Placement		74
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Written exam 50%Ìý

one 1-hour unseen paper requiring 1 answer

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written assignment 50%: 1 written assignment of c. 1,250 words, to be submitted once via Blackboard on Turnitin, by 12 noon on the submission deadline in Week 11 specified on the module site on Blackboard.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Where a re-sit is permitted, students will be assessed on the failed element(s) only in August. Any element(s) already passed will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. The module mark will be capped at a maximum of 40%. Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon on the third Friday of August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:Ìý

2) Specialist equipment or materials:Ìý

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:Ìý

4) Printing and binding:Ìý

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:Ìý

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:Ìý

Last updated: 15 February 2022