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WJEC GCSE The Black Death c.1330–c.1360: a case study in medieval society
On-screen non-examination assessment: 3 hours 20% of qualification 80 marks
Unit 2: An in-depth study on European and/or World history
The purpose of this unit is to provide an understanding of an issue in European and/or world history in depth via the study of historical sources and interpretations.
Centres can choose one of the three periods of study: medieval, early modern or modern, not repeating a period of study studied in Unit 1 or 3. Centres will choose one of two options within the period.
Learners will study one of six historical topics to undertake an in-depth study that will provide them with an understanding of an issue in European and/or world history. They will then undertake a historical enquiry based on their selected historical topic.
Learners should be able demonstrate skills of analysis and evaluation when engaging with sources that relate to the selected historical topic and historical interpretations that encompass contrasting views of events and people.
Learners should also be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of the following historical concepts in the context of their chosen historical topic:
- continuity and change
- similarity and difference
- significance and impact
- cause and consequence.
Medieval
The Black Death c.1330–c.1360: a case study in medieval society
In this topic learners will gain knowledge and understanding in the following areas:
2.2.1 How disease was able to spread in the fourteenth century
2.2.2 The spread of the Black Death
2.2.3 Attempts to limit the spread of disease
2.2.4 Reactions to the spread of disease
2.2.5 The legacy of the Black Death.
Content and Amplification
Background: Plagues and their impact on human society
Learners should be aware of:
- the background of the Black Death, other historical outbreaks of the plague and the difference between bubonic, pneumonic and septicaemic plague
- the importance of the epidemiology of plague pandemics, the causes, symptoms, course and mortality rates of these plagues and arguments about the type and origin of the Black Death
2.2.1 How disease was able to spread in the fourteenth century
- The importance of trade routes in helping disease to spread, including:
- the Silk Road
- increasing mercantile and cultural interactions
- What life was like in the Near East, North Africa and Europe in the early fourteenth century, including:
- living conditions and standards of hygiene
- travel and contact between communities
2.2.2 The spread of the Black Death
- How the Black Death spread geographically, including:
- Its arrival in the Near East and Mediterranean
- Its distribution north and westward
- How the Black Death affected central, western and northern Europe, including:
- Its impact in urban communities
- Its impact in rural communities
2.2.3 Attempts to limit the spread of disease
- The use of strategies to reduce infection rates, including:
- Attempts to improve living conditions
- Social distancing and isolation
- The importance of efforts to protect individuals and families, including:
- The use of superstitious practices such as the wearing of charms and flagellation
- Doing penance
2.2.4 Reactions to the spread of disease
- How individuals responded to the Black Death, including:
- The shock, grief and guilt of its impact
- The challenges faced by those trying to move on from bereavement
- How societies responded to the Black Death, including:
- Attempts to rationalise and find scapegoats
- Resistance to legislation and control by elite groups
2.2.5 The legacy of the Black Death
- The importance of the social cost of the Black Death, including:
- Estimates of mortality rates
- The impact of death and disease on families, communities and beliefs
- How the Black Death had a wider cost, including:
- Its economic impact
- Its political impact
References for The Black Death c.1330–c.1360: a case study in medieval society
Resource Examples For The Black Death c.1330–c.1360: a case study in medieval society
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