COURSE OUTLINE 1

Course Name The Middle Ages and the Modern World: Facts and Fiction
and Code LIBS1870

Total Hours 45

Credits 3

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Course Description

The course will provide students with an introduction to the impact that major cultural traditions of the Middle Ages
have had on the modern world. The course will include myths, narratives, images, and other forms of
representation from a variety of Western European national and religious traditions. Topics may include the study
of kings, warriors, saints, knights, mystics, mythological heroes, and exotic beasts such as dragons. It will also
include examinations of medieval-themed material in modern popular culture, including fictional writing, movies,
video games, businesses and historic sites, both online and offline. No prior knowledge of medieval studies is
required. This course fits into the General Education theme - Arts in Society.

Course Outcomes

Successful completion of this course will enable the student to:

1. Interpret concepts such as medievalism and neo-medievalism within the context of the medieval-themed
entertainment sector (eg. Medieval Times, Medieval/Renaissance Fairs, LARPing) and their relationship to the
modern world.
2. Assess how modern media, including fictional literature, movies and video games, social media and Web 2.0 portray
medieval culture in a contemporary setting.
3. Cooperate in group online activities using supportive feedback techniques that align with best practices in order to
support community building.
4. Evaluate specific examples of medievalism in terms of their relationship to developments in the larger arts and
cultural sphere of the modern world.
5. Discuss the artistic and creative value of medievalism in a contemporary context based upon relevant examples and
valid arguments.
6. Generate examples of medievalism citing substantiated evidence as a means of demonstrating acquisition of
concrete knowledge and comprehension of the subject material.

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COURSE OUTLINE 2

Course Name The Middle Ages and the Modern World: Facts and Fiction
Code LIBS1870

Unit Outcomes Resources/Tests/Assignments

Successful completion of the following units will enable the student to:

1.0 Introduction to Themes and Concepts

1.1 Discuss the concepts of medievalism and neo-medievalism.
1.2 Identify the origins of medievalism.
1.3 Assess the extent to which medieval culture has shaped modern society.

2.0 Medievalism in Fiction

2.1 Explore what medieval themes authors draw on to create their fictional works.
2.2 Analyze examples of medievalism in specific works of medieval-themed fiction.
2.3 Discuss the positive and negative portrayal of medieval themes in works of fiction.

3.0 Medievalism in Film and Video Gaming

3.1 Identify different depictions of medieval culture through film.
3.2 Explore the popularity of medieval-themed films.
3.3 Compare modern depictions of medieval culture in media to actual historical reality.
3.4 Explore medieval themes in video games.

4.0 The Business of Medievalism

4.1 Examine how businesses employ medievalism to market their products.
4.2 Compare the presentation of medieval culture in a modern context and historical medieval
culture.

5.0 Performing Medievalism

5.1 Examine the role of medievalist fantasy within modern medieval fairs.
5.2 Explore the phenomenon of live-action role play (LARP).
5.3 Discuss how reenactment societies (i.e. Society for Creative Anachronism) inform our modern
understanding of medieval culture.

6.0 Touring Medievalism

6.1 Identify examples of how modern cultural sensibilities have an impact on the management of
historical sites.
6.2 Discuss how restoration work challenges notions of historical authenticity.

7.0 A New Middle Age? Medievalism in Modern Society

7.1 Explore modern techniques for rediscovering the Middle Ages.
7.2 Recognize how modern attitudes shape the portrayal of medieval culture.
7.3 Identify examples of medieval culture in a modern environment.
7.4 Examine some of the reasons why medievalism is so popular today.
COURSE OUTLINE 3

Course Name The Middle Ages and the Modern World (2013-2014)
Code LIBS1870

Required Student Resources (Including textbooks and workbooks)

Helgeland, B. (Producer and Director). (2001). A Knight’s Tale [Motion picture]. United States: Columbia Pictures.

Crowe, R. (Producer), Grazer. B. (Producer), Scott, R. (Producer and Director). (2010). Robin Hood [Motion
picture]. United States: Universal Pictures.

Optional Resources

Evaluation

The minimum passing grade for this course is 55% (D).

In order to successfully complete this course, the student is required to meet the following evaluation criteria:

Online Discussion Groups (4 x 5%) 20%

Tests/Quizzes (2 x 15%) 30%
Midterm Assignment 20%
Final Assignment 30%

Total 100%

Other

Conestoga College is committed to providing academic accommodations for students with documented
disabilities. Please contact the Disability Services Office.

Prepared by Danièle Cybulskie

School Liberal Studies

Date October 22, 2015