Introductory description

This module is designed to introduce students to the study of secular architecture and to the issues involved in its interpretation. It examines the function of castles and houses in the period c.1300 – 1600, and seeks to define the characteristics of both to reveal their similarities and differences. It surveys the historical evolution of the residences of the nobility and examines the layout and use of space in castles and houses. The development of the Elizabethan country house as a prodigy building and the work of architects such as the Smythsons will also be considered.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Medieval Castles as Fortresses or Residencies:
Bolton and Bodiam Castles
Dudley and Stokesay Castles
Kenilworth Castle
Gainsborough Old Hall and the Hall Family
The Courtyard House
Royal Building of Henry VIII
Elizabethan Prodigy Houses
Courtiers Houses

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the history and materials of medieval secular architecture
• Demonstrate knowledge of relationships between architectural form and function in the context of castles and houses
• Read and interpret architectural plans
• Present an argument, initiate and sustain group discussion through intelligent questioning and debate at an appropriate level
• Ability to undertake research and to write up the results in the form of a well-structured argument at an appropriate level
• Familiarity with essential ICT skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others
• Show understanding of diverse viewpoints
• Ability to find, select, organize and synthesize evidence
• Ability to formulate a sustained argument
• Sophisticated visual analysis
• Bibliographical skills at an appropriate level
• Critical analysis of cultural artefacts in their context

Indicative reading list

A. Emery, Discovering Medieval Houses, (Shire 2007)
J. Summerson, Architecture in Britain 1530 – 1830, (Penguin 1991)
G. Webb, Architecture in Britain, the Middle Ages, (Penguin 1972)
A. Emery, Discovering Medieval Houses, (Shire 2007)
M. Johnson, Behind the Castle Gate, (Routledge 2002)
N. Pounds, The Medieval Castle in England and Wales, a social and political history, (Cambridge 1990)
M. Airs, The Tudor and Jacobean Country House, (Sutton 1995)
M. Wood, The English Medieval House, (Routledge 1965)

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the history and materials of medieval secular architecture
• demonstrate knowledge of relationships between architectural form and function in the context of castles and houses
• Read and interpret architectural plans
• sophisticated visual analysis
• critical analysis of cultural artefacts in their context

Transferable skills

• present an argument, initiate and sustain group discussion through intelligent questioning and debate at an appropriate level
• ability to undertake research and to write up the results in the form of a well-structured argument at an appropriate level
• familiarity with essential ICT skills
• ability to collaborate effectively with others
• show understanding of diverse viewpoints
• ability to find, select, organize and synthesize evidence
• ability to formulate a sustained argument
• think conceptually and independently at an appropriate level
• bibliographical skills at an appropriate level