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The Visual And The Verbal In The Middle Ages

Key information

  • Module code:

    7AAEM657

  • Level:

    7

  • Semester:

      Autumn

  • Credit value:

    20

Module description

This module focuses on the relationship between text and image in the Middle Ages. There will be opportunities to consider the role played by illuminated manuscripts in medieval culture; the interaction between visuality, material objects and texts in the context of the saint’s cult; the impact of philosophy and optical theory on visual and verbal depiction; the similarities and differences between medieval and modern discourses of the visual; and debates about iconoclasm and the construction of hierarchies between texts and images.

The module crosses periods and media as well as genres: it begins with medieval discourses on the role of the visual in religious learning, draws on examples from both the Anglo-Saxon period and the later Middle Ages, and concludes with an exploration of the role played by modern museums and exhibition spaces in constructing medieval representation. Students will be expected to make full use of the opportunities London provides for engaging with medieval visual culture, such as the British Library, the British Museum, the Museum of London, the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum; class preparation will include museum visits.


 

Assessment details

Coursework

1 x 4,000 word essay

Teaching pattern

1 x two hour seminar weekly

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.