School of Humanities  
 
 
HIS-20084 The Kingdom of England 954-1154  
Co-ordinator: Dr Philip Morgan    Room: CBB0.048, Tel:33204  
Teaching Team: Miss Amanda  Roberts, Mrs Christine  Edge, Dr Kathleen Cushing, Miss Jo-Anne  Watts, Dr Andrew  Sargent  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 733147
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
History Dual Honours (Level 2)
History Major (Level 2)
History Minor (Level 2)
History Single Honours (Level 2)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
Barred Combinations
None

Prerequisites
Pass at level one, or appropriate alternative qualifications for visiting students.

Description

This module, while providing a socio-political and religious history of the Kingdom of England c.954-c.1154, looks to explore aspects of the 'Englishing of England' in a period which historians have begun to define as formative in the history of the country. In 954 Eric Bloodaxe, the last Viking king of Northumbria, was killed on Stainmore and England was ever after the land of one king. In 1154 Henry II, count of Anjou, succeeded to the English throne as ruler of a cross-channel empire which stretched from the north of Britain to the south-west of France.

This then is when England itself, from a myriad of smaller kingdoms, came into geographical existence, even though (it has been argued) the idea of 'England' may have preceded the fact. It is when the 'English' elite effectively invented their past in order to understand themselves in the present, and when they began to imagine themselves as a community and fashion for themselves an identity. Through an examination of topics such as the consolidation of the country by Alfred's successors, the 'Englishing of the North', the impact of the Danish and Norman invasions, the innovations (and continuities) that resulted in the development of monasticism, the church, and society at large, as well as the chronicling of such changes, the course looks to explore the paradox as to why the English became more English during this period in spite of repeated foreign invasion. It will look to argue that the process of unification may be a far more important feature of English history than conquest.
Aims
To introduce students to a major issue in the formation of England in the early middle ages. To acquaint students with issues of identity and cultural assimilation in the context of the middle ages. To provide links between medieval history and contemporary social and political issues.
Intended Learning Outcomes
acquire a broad understanding of the complicated relationships that arose between elite lay societies and their spiritual clients, between those same societies and the indigenous people of England, understand socio-political and religious developments in the period c.954-c.1154. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
develop the ability to understand and evaluate scholarly debates on this topic, in particular the significance of historical identity, conquest and colonisation. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
develop the ability to read and use contested texts and other source materials critically, while addressing the issues of genre, content, perspective and historicity. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
develop and support reasoned historical arguments and to present them in a clear and persuasive manner both orally and in written work. will be achieved by assessments: 2,3,4
Study hours
150 hours: 10 lectures, 7 seminars, 48 hours seminar preparation, 60 hours essay preparation, 25 hours lecture consolidation.
Description of Module Assessment
01: Portfolio weighted 20%
A commentary on a primary source.
Students in history are generally taught how to conduct the business of source evaluation and criticism. This assessment maintains the tradition which is to be found at all levels of UG study.
02: Essay weighted 40%
Essay of c.2000 words
An essay of c.2000 words, chosen by the student from a list of c.6 questions set by the tutor.
03: Unseen Exam weighted 40%
Two questions in two hours.
An unseen two-hour examination in which students will be expected to answer two essay questions from a list of 8.
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.