Global History Friday Lates: The Medieval Spice Trade
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
- Course Code: HWH193
- Dates: 26/07/24 - 26/07/24
- Time: 19:30 - 21:00
- Taught: Fri, Evening
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Vanessa King
Course Code: HWH193
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
We will explore the history of the spice trade before 1500.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
The significance of spice in global trading (including pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves)
The impact of spice on global trading in the era
Spice consumption in medieval Europe.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify where pepper, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg were produced
Evaluate the impact of global trading in the medieval era
Identify the types of sources we use to illustrate the history of the medieval spice trade.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge is required; however, a good standard of English is essential. As with all of our courses, an open mind and a willingness to engage constructively with the subject are the only real requirements.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There will be a PowerPoint presentation with a handout of contemporary sources for discussion. You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no other expenses other than note-taking materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see our academic programme for 24/25 for more Friday Late sessions.
Vanessa King is a reitred university lecturer in Medieval and early Modern History. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and Honorary Fellow of Birkbeck College University of London. At City Lit, Vanessa offers courses and day schools on London, European, and Global Encounters in the Far East. She has published widely on the Anglo-Norman period (1066-1154), and is currently writing a book on Early English Queenship 600-1066 for Routledge. You can follow her progress via her website: https://queenshipinpreconquestengland.wordpress.com/ Vanessa’s expertise in medieval matters means she is frequently called upon to give public lectures and speak on BBC Radio. Vanessa's philosophy of teaching is to make history come alive through informative presentations with a good sense of humour. In her spare time, she enjoys nothing better than talking history over a glass of red wine!
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
