HSTY2664: Semester 1, 2026

Units HSTY2664 Semester 1 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

HSTY2664: Medieval Cultures

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

In this unit we explore the cultural dynamics that characterised western Christendom from c500-c1500. Often considered as a foil for modernity, the Middle Ages is a period that fascinates as much as it repels. Both attitudes are, however, the result of the same dynamic: at the heart of the medieval millennium lies the development of an original civilisation in Western Europe, whose ways of perceiving time, space, the afterlife, faith, authority, social bounds, etc. reveal its creative impetus, as well as its tensions and paradoxes.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	History
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 1000 level in History or Ancient History or Asian Studies or Jewish Civilisation, Thought and Culture
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	HSTY2064
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Helene Sirantoine, helene.sirantoine@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Instructions can be found on unit Canvas website	30%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorial preparatory discussion posts Instructions can be found on unit Canvas website.	10%	Multiple weeks	10 x 50 words ahead of each tutorial	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorial participation Instructions can be found on unit Canvas website	10%	Ongoing	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Multiple Choice quiz via Canvas #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay plan Instructions can be found on unit Canvas website	10%	Week 07 Due date: 13 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 13 May 2026	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay Instructions can be found on unit Canvas website	40%	Week 11 Due date: 15 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Jun 2026	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on the unit Canvas website.
IMPORTANT: students need to attempt every assessment in order to pass the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard. For more information, see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Unit introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	The World	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	The Otherworld	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	The World of the Hereford Map (ca. 1300)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	The Monastery	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Preparing for the Last Judgement: the tympanum of the church of Sainte-Foy in Conques	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	The Court	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Monks on the writing of History	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	The School	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	The epistolary correspondence of Marie of France, countess of Champagne and Troyes (d. 1198)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	The Forest	Lecture (1 hr)
	Preparing for your essay: bibliographical tools	Lecture (1 hr)
	Parisian students on strike (1229–1231)	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	The Cathedral	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	The felling of a tree in Frankish times	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	The Field	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	The stained-glass windows of Chartres Cathedral	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	The Library	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Essay workshopping	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Reading week (no class, students prepare their essay)	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 11	The Ghetto	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Medieval booklovers	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	The Bedroom	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Muslims and Islam in western Christendom	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Moving places: medieval pilgrims	Lecture (1 hr)
	In the bedchamber of Adela of Normandy, countess of Blois (c1067–1137)	Tutorial (1 hr)
	Exam review	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

As per FASS resolutions, “Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 per cent of timetabled activities for a unit of study”. Also, “The case of any formally enrolled student who is absent from 50% or more of classes, regardless of the reasons for the absence, will be automatically referred to the end-of-semester departmental examiners’ meeting for a determination as to whether the student should pass or fail the unit”.
* Lecture: For students who have timetable clashes, lectures will be recorded and made available on Canvas. Students are responsible for making sure that they access lecture recordings prior to attending their weekly tutorials.
* Tutorials: It is expected that students attend tutorials. Students are responsible for coming prepared to their weekly tutorial. Details of required readings and preparation are available on Canvas.
* Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

No background in medieval history is required to succeed in this unit. But if you feel a bit lost or intimidated by the world of the Middle Ages, or if you wish to situate further the themes we will study in class against the background of the medieval millennium, it is recommended that you read the following short textbook that will give you an excellent overview: Barbara Rosenwein, A short history of the Middle Ages. Fourth Edition (North York-Tonawanda: University of Toronto Press, 2014) [accessible through our Library catalogue as an e-Resource]

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate an understanding of the Middle Ages through the exploration of the notion of ‘culture’ and its multiple manifestations;
LO2. Consolidate your sense of historical significance through the reading and analysis of primary and secondary sources. This is the main purpose of tutorials in which students practice week‐by‐week analytical and critical skills;
LO3. Demonstrate your ability to conduct an original research project that strengthens your skills as independent learner. This is the main purpose of the essay that students progressively research, build, and write across the semester.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit was last taught in 2024. Its learning activities and assessment structure have been revised to improve student experience and align with new university policies.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links