HIST 412-01, Medieval England, Spring 2007

Abstract

This seminar examines the history of England in the Middle Ages, from approximately from the age of the Anglo‐Saxons to the advent of the Tudors (900‐1500). We will survey the most significant events and developments during this period and focus particularly on political/constitutional and social history, addressing the following questions: How do the role of kingship change over the course of the Middle Ages? From where does the distinctive tradition of the English Common Law derive? How do administrative institutions develop? And finally, how (if at all) do these developments affect the way that ordinary people lived? This course is also designed to introduce you to the practice of historical research in medieval English history. I have organized the course to achieve the following goals: 1) to provide an overview of the most important historical events and developments in England between roughly 1000‐ 1500, by reading and discussing a range of primary and secondary sources; 2) to give you experience defining, planning, and undertaking a research project in medieval English history. I encourage you to think about your own goals for the semester and I would be happy to discuss them with you!