English Cathedrals: Art, Architecture and Legends

Course Title: English Cathedrals: Art, Architecture and Legends

Type of Course: Adult Education

Credit: Not credit bearing

Taught Hours: 20

Session Titles

1. Durham Cathedral

2. Rochester Cathedral

3. Canterbury Cathedral and York Minster

4. Norwich Cathedral

5. Salisbury Cathedral

6. Wells Cathedral

7. Gloucester Cathedral

8. Westminster Abbey

9. Ely Cathedral

10. St Paul's Cathedral

Course Overview

This course looks at the history of some of the most magnificent cathedrals in England and the, often surprising, stories of saints associated with them.

Each week we will look at a different cathedral in England and discover the history of its foundation, architecture and art treasures. But we will expand on this history of the material culture of the building by looking at the key saint associated with the building, discovering the story of the saint, how he or she has been represented and asking ourselves why the saint was connected to the cathedral we are looking at.

Connecting saints and the buildings that housed their cult sites in this way gives a unique insight into medieval culture and the beliefs and practices of our ancestors.

Required Previous Experience (if any)

None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)

None required.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course you will be better prepared to:

• Understand the historical foundation, architectural development, and artistic treasures of key English cathedrals, and their cultural and religious significance within mediaeval society.
• Identify and describe the lives, legends, and iconography of significant saints associated with selected English cathedrals, evaluating why particular saints became connected with these religious buildings.
• Critically analyse how the relationship between cathedrals and their patron saints influenced mediaeval practices, beliefs, and visual culture.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group activities, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted face-to-face online and utilise diverse teaching methods, including presentations, multimedia resources, class discussions, and interactive activities.

These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding of the subject matter. The approach is also designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.