Early medieval England from Bede to Alfred the Great

Code

HIST2047

School

History

Level

2

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

The discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found, has forced historians to re-evaluate the Anglo-Saxon period and ask new questions about this crucial formative stage of English history. The items discovered are almost exclusively connected to warfare, yet many show evidence of very high levels of craftsmanship, reflecting the fact that this was an era characterised by brutal and relentless fighting whilst at the same time maintaining an extraordinarily rich culture. The history of much of this period of conversions, conflicts and cultural renaissances is documented by Bede, a monk from Wearmouth-Jarrow in Northumbria (c. 673–735). In 793, the world described to us by Bede was thrown into chaos by a Viking raid on the island monastery of Lindisfarne, an event that some Anglo-Saxons interpreted in apocalyptic terms. The subsequent settlement of Vikings across Northern and Eastern England profoundly changed the social, cultural and economic structures of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. This course covers the period from the beginning of the seventh century to the end of the ninth, ending with the reign of Alfred, the only English king to ever achieve the moniker 'the Great'. Students will utilise a wide variety of items of textual and non-textual evidence to explore the kingdoms and cultures of the early Anglo-Saxon world.

Target Students

Only available to level 2 single or joint honours History students, Liberal Arts students or Exchange students hosted by the Department of History.

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: Piece of individually assessed coursework
• 50% Coursework 2: Piece of individually assessed coursework

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Explain, interpret and evaluate the political and cultural changes occurring in Anglo-Saxon England between the 5th and the 9th centuries, and to show an understanding of the ideologies influencing the actions of the key figures involved and of some of the authors of the contemporary primary sources.

Further develop ability to think critically and imaginatively about the subject matter, and to identify key problems in it.

Further develop skills in historiographical debate and in the analysis of primary sources.

Further develop responsibility for undertaking their own learning, especially in organising seminars.

Further develop ability to expound ideas critically and analytically both orally and in writing.

Develop organisational, team and communication skills in running seminars and in managing discussions within them.

Further develop powers of expressing themselves clearly and coherently, both orally and in writing.

Conveners

• Dr Peter Darby