Overview

What kinds of devotion did pre-modern women experience and write about? How did they express their devotion? This module explores a wide selection of published and manuscript texts that demonstrate the continuities and dissimilarities of late medieval and early modern women’s religious and secular devotional writing. Graduate students will be introduced to the writing of anchorites, mystics, mothers and lovers, from across the social spectrum, who expressed their devotion in a variety of genres and for widely differing audiences. The material under discussion includes translation, lyric poetry, letters, early autobiographical writing, exegesis, polemic, prophecy and prayer. This module offers opportunities for students to develop and pursue highly innovative lines of research in the analytical comparison of devotional writing from pre- and post-Reformation England.

This module explores a wide selection of published and manuscript texts that demonstrate the breadth, continuities and dissimilarities of late medieval and early modern women’s devotional writing practices (both religious and secular). Graduate students will be introduced to the writing of anchorites, mystics, mothers and lovers, from across the social spectrum, who expressed their devotion in a variety of genres and for widely differing audiences. The material under discussion emerges in forms as varied as translation, lyric poetry, letters, early autobiographical writing, exegesis, polemic, prophecy and prayer. This module offers opportunities for students to develop and pursue highly innovative lines of research in the analytical comparison of devotional writing from pre- and post-Reformation England.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50-59%A Pass (C) candidate’s work will show many of the following qualities:•A satisfactory level of knowledge, analysis and expression.•Some familiarity with, and understanding of, relevant theoretical issues.•Generally sound organisation of argument, with some critical ability.•Accurate expression.•Competent use of quotation and references . -good -60-69%A (B) candidate’s work reaching Merit will show many of the following qualities:•An advanced level of factual knowledge.•Significant [substantial] knowledge of relevant theories and types of analysis.•Some evidence of original thought.•The ability to organise and argue effectively, make balanced judgements, and demonstrate critical thought.•Fluent and accurate expression.•Competent use of quotation and references.

-excellent -70% and aboveTypically (A), the work of a candidate reaching Distinction will show many of the following qualities:•Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant theories and types of analysis.•Thorough knowledge of a range of sources and the capacity to engage these critically.•Introduction and discussion of original ideas.•Relevant, well-organised and sophisticated argument.•High ratio of analysis to exposition.•Maturity, clarity and cogency of expression.•Excellent handling of quotation and references.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse and discuss the texts and contextual materials examined on the module.

• Analyse the interrelationships of text, context, authorship, audience and textual transmission

• Present a coherent argument in essay form that is evidenced by appropriate primary and secondary material.

• Select and apply appropriate theories of gender, devotion, and literary history to the examination of the texts on the module.