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The Gothic Cathedral (Level 7)

Overview

  • Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
  • Convenor and tutor: Dr Zoe Opacic
  • Assessment: a 5000-word essay (100%)

Module description

In this module we take a diverse look at one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of Western architecture. Since its creation in France in the middle of the twelfth and until the end of the fifteenth century, the great church has dominated - physically, spiritually and often politically - the medieval European landscape.

We will consider the extraordinary technical advances which accompanied (and made possible) the construction of cathedrals. We will also trace their development both north and south of the Alps, from the first fully-fledged manifestation of Gothic - the Abbey of St Denis - to the (arguably) last great medieval cathedral, that of Milan. The approach will not, however, be narrowly stylistic; sculpture and stained glass will be considered as an integral part of cathedral design and iconography. The relationship between architecture, liturgy and cult will also form an important part of discussion, as well as the formative influence of architects and patrons. Finally, the cathedrals will be observed as complex institutions with competing priorities - devotional, political and urban. An essential part of the module throughout will be an assessment of the way in which the cathedrals have been studied and will argue for a more integrated approach.

During the module we will visit at least one cathedral in, or in the vicinity of, London.

Indicative syllabus

  • Introduction: material and spiritual cathedral
  • Suger, Abbey of St Denis and the origins of Gothic style
  • Wall of glass: Chartres Cathedral, the high Gothic in France
  • Thresholds: facades, portals, screens and their sculpture
  • Dedalus: building techniques and the image of the architect
  • Death and resurrection: the Gothic choir of Canterbury Cathedral
  • A royal peculiar: Westminster Abbey and its furnishings
  • The decorated and the perpendicular
  • The Trecento Cathedral of Republican Tuscany
  • The end of the Gothic cathedral? Prague and Milan

Learning objectives

By the end of this module you will:

  • have detailed knowledge of aspects of medieval architecture
  • be able to observe, identify and analyse buildings at greater depth
  • have a critical awareness of the functions of such works within the social and cultural contexts of their production and reception
  • be able to analyse and interpret critically and in depth historical evidence about medieval architecture based on a variety of visual, primary and secondary sources.