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Unravelling the Fabric of York - CED00180C

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  • Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

Throughout modern York, the past becomes present in its buildings. From Roman Eboracum, through Anglian Eoforwic and Viking Jorvik, until Medieval, Georgian, and Victorian York, every period has left a visible layer. This module will examine those layers, analysing the architecture of emblematic buildings and sites from each era. By studying York’s buildings, the module will trace the history of the city from its Roman origin to the 20th century and beyond.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Summer Term 2024-25

Module aims

This module will introduce students to the physical landscape/urbanscape of York in historical context. The module is divided into two main themes: the buildings of York and their historical context . The module will explore architectural styles and the development of a cityscape, how the physical landscape and location of York affected its development and how modern environmental concerns react and interact with both the preservation of architecture and natural landscapes. It will also consider York in the wider context of national developments in history and architecture. In addition, it will aim to develop or enhance skills of critical judgement in weighing up documentary and visual sources.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Identify key architectural styles in a variety of York buildings and recognise the development of architectural styles over time.
  • Understand the links between architectural styles and social history/urban development.
  • Understand key themes in the history of urbanisation.
  • Use source material effectively to explain and discuss key themes and issues.
  • Develop or improve a range of academic skills: collating information, devising an argument, and supporting it by critically using relevant primary and secondary sources.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

The tutor will give regular individual verbal and written feedback throughout the module on work submitted.

The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.

Indicative reading

Davies, R. Walks Through the City of York, London: Chapman and Hall, 1880.

Lowenthal, David, The Past is a Foreign Country. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1985.

Nuttgens, Patrick, A History of York, from earliest times Pickering: Blackthorn Press, 2001

The Victoria County History of York A History of the County of York | British History Online (british-history.ac.uk)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.