Key facts
UNE unit code: HIST300
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
This unit is designed to help you understand and critically examine the role and significance of heresy and religious developments which shaped the evolution of Europe in the early medieval period.
You will look at the ways new and radical ideas challenged and transformed societies, innovated or established traditions, and created new cultures. Using historical methods and looking closely at evidence from art, archaeology and a variety of texts, you will focus on the relationship between sex, sin and heresy, with an emphasis on the foundations of medieval Christian Europe (c.325 CE to 1022 CE).
As such, this unit aims to develop a deeper and more critical understanding of the events, ideas, personalities and evolving traditions in this fascinating historical period.
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 5 days | Non-Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Dates to be advised. Both on campus and online students are strongly encouraged to attend the intensive school in Armidale. This will involve an entire trimesters program of lectures, tutorials and workshops. An announcement will be made about the Residential School and sent to all students enrolled in History awards and cognate degrees approximately 3-4 months in advance. Those indicating interest in attending will be provided with the readings shortly thereafter. A minimum number of students will be required in order for the intensive school to proceed and those students will be notified four weeks prior to commencement. If the intensive school will not proceed, alternative arrangements for study will be made. The deadline for late registrations is two weeks prior to the start of the Residential School. For further details about any of the foregoing, please contact the Unit Coordinator below. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate critical and historical thinking;
- evaluate the development of early medieval history and thought between c.325 CE and 1022 CE;
- assess a range of primary source documents;
- present a knowledge of events, ideas, and personalities within the history of the period;
- reflect an understanding of relevant historical events, persons and ideas; and
- engage in comparative reflection on the evolving traditions of the period.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Alternative assessment and flexible due dates in consultation with the Unit Coordinator may include, but not limited to the following: essay; take-home examination; presentation; special project; or other research-based outcome. No. Words: 2500 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Alternative assessment and flexible due dates in consultation with the Unit Coordinator may include, but not limited to the following: essay; take-home examination; presentation; special project; or other research-based outcome. No. Words: 2500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Europe after Rome: A New Cultural History, 500-1000
ISBN: 9780199244270
Smith, J.M.H., Oxford University Press 1st ed. 2005
Text refers to: All offerings
The Rise of Western Christendom: Triumph and Diversity, A.D. 200-1000
ISBN: 9781118301265
Brown, P., John Wiley & Sons Inc 10th ed. 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
Pagans and Christians in Late Antiquity
ISBN: 9781138020320
Lee, A.D., Routledge 2nd ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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