Outline

Overview

The medieval and early modern world vibrated with a life that seems foreign to us. Listening to voices from centuries ago, this advanced seminar invites you to think critically about cultural difference by exploring peoples and places that are at once radically strange and surprisingly familiar. We journey into the past to investigate a nominated theme or context in an era of cultural transformation, rising colonialism, religious upheaval, and political invention.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	History
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 2000 level in History
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

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

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Essay #1 2,000-word essay. Topics, instructions and assessment criteria on unit Canvas website	30%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Sep 2025 at 23:59	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay #2 3,000-word essay. Topics, instructions and assessment criteria on unit Canvas website	45%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation Prepared, scholarly participation in class discussion and activities throughout semester.	10%	Weekly	Throughout semester	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Homework (Discussion posts) Weekly discussion posts. To be completed BEFORE class.	15%	Weekly	Discussion posts (equivalent 1000 words)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Important remarks:

Students need to attempt every assessment in order to pass a unit;
No assignment will be accepted when submitted after its return date (see Canvas for detail), unless special consideration has been granted;
If student encounter issues that prevent them from submitting on time, they should always contact the unit coordinator to discuss with them possible solutions.

Essay #1:

The first assignment in this seminar consists of a primary source analytic assessment; various Assignment Workshopping sessions are held before the due date to help students with this task. Detailed topics, instructions and assessment criteria will be provided in due time in class and on the unit Canvas website.

Essay #2:

The second assignment in this seminar consists of a research essay focused on a provided set of possible topics. Students are given the opportunity to build their own research question; various Assignment Workshopping sessions are held before the due date to help students with this task. Detailed topics, instructions and assessment criteria will be provided in due time in class and on the unit Canvas website.

Participation:

Students’ experience in this seminar strongly relies on the participation of everyone to the activities led during each weekly session. Participation will be graded depending on the quality of each student’s involvement in the activities of the seminar, combining attendance, frequency and relevance of comments, ability to be part of a collective reflection.

Homework (Discussion posts):

Students must complete the assigned readings and tasks as indicated on the unit Canvas website, including mandatory weekly short posts on discussion boards.

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.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High Distinction (HD)	85 – 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.
Distinction (DI)	75 – 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.
Credit (CR)	65 – 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.
Pass (PS)	50 – 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.
Fail (FA)	0 – 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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	1. Introduction to the seminar's theme: "Reconquest? A History of Medieval Spain"; 2. The narrative (1): The Islamic conquest of Iberia (711)	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	The narrative (2): From 711 to the twelfth century	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	The narrative (3): Towards the end of the Christian conquests, 13th century to 1492	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	1. History and the historians of medieval Iberia (1): Around the notion of Reconquest; 2. Assignment workshopping (1): Instructions for Essay #1	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	1. History and the historians of medieval Iberia (2): Around the notion of convivencia; 2. Assignment workshopping (2): Bibliographical tools for Essay #1	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Confronted ideologies of holy war (1): Jihad	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	1. Confronted ideologies of holy war (2): just war, 'reconquest', and crusade; 2. Assignment workshopping (3): Essay #1 Q&A	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	Between two worlds (1): the Mozarabs	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 09	1. Between two worlds (2): the Mudejars; 2. Assignment workshopping (4): Instructions for Essay #2 and brainstorming	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	1. Another perspective (1): Jews in medieval Iberia; 2. Assignment workshopping (5): Bibliographic tools for Essay #2	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	READING WEEK (no class)	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 12	Crossing the border: people, goods, knowledge;	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 13	1. Another perspective (2): “Daughters of the Reconquest”; 2. Assignment workshopping (6): Final essay writing tips	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

As per Faculty 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”. If you miss class, for a reason beyond your control (e.g. illness, misadventure, etc.), it is important that you email your unit coordinator/seminar leader explaining the reason of your absence, providing supporting documentation when relevant.

https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2022/540&RendNum=0

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

In S2, 2025, this unit is centered on the following topic: RECONQUEST? A HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL SPAIN.

Spain’s medieval history was shaped by warfare between Christianity and Islam, but also by more peaceable relations. From this complex story emerged the opposing myths of ‘Reconquest’ and ‘convivencia’, still resonating in Spanish society today. This unit reassesses both notions and explores the fascinating dynamics of the Iberian medieval world.

There is no required textbook to purchase for this unit. However, as a starting point, the following book is highly recommended to any student willing to learn about the world of medieval Spain: Reilly, Bernard F. The Medieval Spains. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993. [available as an e-Resource via the university library catalogue]

Besides, each week we will read, analyse, and discuss the historical significance of primary and secondary sources related to the themes studied during each session of the seminar. Additional reading suggestions will be provided on a weekly basis on the unit Canvas website.

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 expert knowledge of period, place or culture in Medieval and Early Modern history.
LO2. Demonstrate expert understanding of a variety of approaches to interpreting Medieval and Early Modern history, and skilfully employ and manipulate such approaches in your own work.
LO3. Skilfully analyse and interpret both primary evidence and secondary literature.
LO4. Work both independently and collaboratively to develop and refine historical understanding and awareness.
LO5. Apply interdisciplinary approaches to the study of history.
LO6. Demonstrate capacity to integrate Indigenous and non-Western perspectives on the past and understand how axes of inequality (such as gender and racial inequalities) have been historically constructed.
LO7. Demonstrate the skills needed to construct an evidence-based argument or narrative in written, oral, visual, or digital form.
LO8. Demonstrate sophisticated information and digital literacy in research.

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 is offered for the third time in S2, 2025. Its schedule, activities, materials and assessment structure have been revised in order to improve student experience and learning process.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

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

HSTY3802: Medieval and Early Modern History

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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