international summer school 2014

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1 international summer school 2014 ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES 2014 King Arthur: Investigating the Myth and Legend

2 onal i t a n r 14 e t 0 2 in l o o sch r e m m u s Academic programme The International Summer School is your chance to experience one of the UK s top universities, studying one of our accredited pathways. Our King Arthur pathway is an interdisciplinary course taught by Exeter faculty from the History, Archaeology and English departments and allows you to immerse yourself in the legend and explore it from a number of different viewpoints. The academic programme combines lectures, seminars and workshops plus guided independent study and is accredited at 15 Exeter credits and 7.5 ECTS credits. King Arthur: Investigating the Myth and the Legend Academic Coordinator: Dr Daniel Steinbach The legend of King Arthur sits at the core of European medieval tradition and has inspired literature, fine arts and film for a millennium. Yet the Arthur myth is also a prime example of the interdependency of art, religion, power and politics in the medieval world. By combining history, archaeology and literary studies, this interdisciplinary module introduces you to the historical origins of the myth of King Arthur in the early Middle Ages, its popularisation during the 12th century in the court of Henry II of England, and its subsequent importance for European romantic culture. The module will encourage you to investigate the legend of King Arthur and its metamorphoses over the centuries through different academic and scholarly methods. You will learn about: You will also consider specific questions relating to the legend of Arthur, e.g. the medieval ideas of kingship and knighthood, the connections between religion, magic and love. the historical background of medieval England and Europe explore the historical works of Geoffrey of Monmouth Finally, a visit to Glastonbury as well as Exeter Cathedral and its rich medieval archives will provide you with a unique material access to the topic of King Arthur. analyse medieval literature (e.g. Le Morte d Arthur).

3 ional internat school 2014 summer Timetable Date Saturday 5 July - Tuesday 8 July Date Arrival and orientation in London This is an opportunity to meet fellow students and visit the major sites including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Globe Theatre before travelling to Exeter for the academic programme. Wednesday 9 July Introduction: Who is King Arthur? Helen Birkett Thursday 10 July The Origins of the Arthur Legend in Early Medieval Britain Helen Birkett Friday 11 July Arthur in Europe: French and German Medieval Literature Naomi Howell Medieval Manuscripts: Seminar at the Exeter Cathedral Archive Naomi Howell International Pub Quiz Saturday 12 July Daytrip to Stonehenge and Bath Sunday 13 July Free Day Monday 14 July England and Europe in the High Middle Ages Medieval Kingship and the Cult of King Arthur Tuesday 15 July Chivalry and Society (1): Knights and Honour Chivalry and Society (2): King Arthur and Other Role Models Karaoke Night Wednesday 16 July Arthur & Archaeology Duncan Wright Field Trip to Glastonbury Duncan Wright Thursday 17 July Arthur in late Medieval Literature John Withrington Morte d Arthur John Withrington Friday 18 July Day trip to St Ives Saturday 19 July Day trip to the Eden Project Sunday 20 July Free day Monday 21 July Medieval Court Culture Romance, Courtship and Courtly Love Tuesday 22 July Magic and the Supernatural The Holy Grail: Arthur and Religion Wednesday 23 July The Legacy of Arthur: The Gothic Revival in Victorian Britain John Withrington Arthur in Film & Fiction in the 20th Century Thursday 24 July Preparation for presentations Friday 25 July Presentations Gala Dinner Saturday 26 July Depart for Heathrow Airport and London Assessment Formative Assessment 500 word commentary plan and feedback during seminars Summative Assessment 2,000 word commentary on an extract from one of the module texts 20 minute group presentation Key readings Nick Higham, King Arthur: Myth-making and History (London, 2002) Christopher Snyder, Exploring the World of King Arthur (London, 2002)

4 ional internat school 2014 summer Why study King Arthur at Exeter? The Legend of King Arthur belongs to the whole world, but he belongs first and foremost to the West Country. Tradition has it that Arthur was born at Tintagel, and is buried at Glastonbury. Merlin supposedly built Stonehenge, while King Arthur s Round Table can be seen at Winchester. Cadbury Castle is often associated with Arthur s royal court of Camelot, while the magical Isle of Avalon is frequently associated in legend and fiction with Glastonbury Tor.

5 ional internat school 2014 summer Why study King Arthur at Exeter? The University of Exeter, located in the county of Devon in the West Country, is the natural place to study Arthurian legend. Faculty across a range of disciplines historical, literary, archaeological combine to give you an oversight of the fact and fiction behind the myth and legend of the world s most famous King. The University of Exeter s College of Humanities is ranked in the world Top-100 according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, reflecting the quality of our research and teaching. The University library maintains extensive holdings, extensive audio-visual collections and a number of medieval manuscripts (including the Syon Collection), while Exeter Cathedral Library and Archives contain further significant medieval manuscripts, documents and early printed books making Exeter the perfect choice to study the myth and legend of King Arthur.

6 international summer school 2014 King Arthur: Investigating the Myth and Legend Visit our website for full information about the International Summer School programme including entry requirements, applications, fees and accommodation. Tel: +44 (0) INT010