The tenth to the early thirteenth century was a rapidly changing period in European history, seeing economic growth, ecclesiastical reforms, crusades, growth in castle-building, a revival of classical learning, and the beginnings of state formation. Diplomacy between rulers and the means by which wars and threats of war were brought to resolution were an essential part of these changes. This module examines some of these interactions and how they contribute to wider debates about the nature of kingship and rule, law and enforcement, and the nature of oral and written culture in a period of transformative change. The course will focus on the experience of the English kings, from their relations with the Vikings through their involvement in European diplomacy following the Norman Conquest and ending with the loss of Normandy in the thirteenth century. Comparisons will also be made with other European rulers and events such as the conquest of Pomerania in 1185 and the captivity and ransom of the crusader kings Richard I (the Lionheart) and Valdemar II.

• demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the development and change in medieval diplomacy 900-1250 and an understanding of the historical context and historiography of the subject
• analyse key themes and issues, such as good/bad kingship, the ideology of war and peace, and the role and function of ritual in the light of these contexts
• demonstrate an understanding of a selection of primary sources and an appreciation of how historians have approached them.
• compare the relative merits and demerits of alternative views and interpretations and evaluate their significance

The course will be taught and students will learn through

• A series of formal lectures will introduce students to the main factual and conceptual issues to be discussed and analysed during the module.
• Seminars, in which key issues and topics are analysed, will enable students to develop further analytical skills. 

Intellectual Skills:

Upon the completion of the option, the typical student will be able to:

• identify the nature and scope of the issues raised concerning medieval diplomacy 900-1250;
• summarise and appraise the relative merits and demerits of alternative views and interpretations about medieval diplomatic practice; kingship, borders, state formation; and international law
• identify problems, assess evidence, and reach conclusions consistent with them.
• devise and sustain arguments about the previously mentioned topics using ideas or techniques.
• present, accurately, succinctly and lucidly, and in written or oral form their arguments in accordance with appropriate scholarly conventions in assessed essays and unseen examinations.

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

Upon the completion of the option, the typical student will be able to:

• express their ideas and assessments on medieval diplomacy from c.900-c.1250;
• discuss in an informed manner medieval diplomacy from c.900-c.1250;
• evaluate a range of arguments of alternative historical/historiographical interpretations;
• to demonstrate an understanding of some of the primary sources and an appreciation of  how historians have approached them.

Transferable and ‘Employability’ Skills:

Upon the completion of the option, the typical student will be able to:

• communicate ideas and arguments effectively, whether in speech or in writing in an accurate, succinct and lucid manner;
• formulate and justify their own arguments and conclusions about a range of issues;
• demonstrate an ability to modify as well as to defend their own position;
• posses a range of information technology resources to assist  with information retrieval;
• organise their own study methods and workload;
•  work as part of a team in seminar or tutorial discussions

Students will be assessed by means of a combination of one 1000 word assessed essay [15%], one 2000 word assessed essay [35%] and one two-hour unseen written examination paper in which the student will answer two questions [50%].

Course assignments:

1. Assessed Essay 1will contribute 15% of the final mark for the module. It is designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to review evidence, draw appropriate conclusions from it and employ the formal conventions of scholarly presentation. It must be no longer than 1,000 words (excluding empirical appendices and references).
2. Assessed Essay 2will contribute 35% of the final mark for the module. It is designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to review evidence, draw appropriate conclusions from it and employ the formal conventions of scholarly presentation. It must be no longer than 2,000 words (excluding empirical appendices and references).
3. The Examination will take place during the second assessment period [May/June] and will consist of an unseen two hour paper that will contribute the remaining 50% of the final mark for this module. Students must write 2 answers in total.  

1. Ideology of war and peace
2. Meeting places I: borders and marches
3. Diplomacy between equals
4. Meeting places II: courts, assemblies and shrines
5. Diplomacy between victor and vanquished
6. Gifts and gift exchanges
7. Food, feasting and banquets
8. Gestures of submission
9. Conversion and fostering: relations between Christians and non-Christians
10. Envoys and negotiators
11. Oaths
12. Hostages
13. Sureties
14. Arbitration and friendship
15. The papal court
16. Treaties and diplomatic documents
17. The beginnings of international law
18. Success in war, success in peace?
19. War, peace and diplomacy: the Middle Ages and beyond 

Benham, J. E. M., Peacemaking in the Middle Ages: Principles and Practice (2011)

Chaplais, P.,    English Diplomatic Practice in the Middle Ages (2003)

De Souza, P., and France, J., War and Peace in Ancient and Medieval History (2008)

Ganshof, F-L., The Middle Ages: A History of International Relations (1971)

Queller, D. E., The Office of Ambassador in the Middle Ages (1967)

Bartlett, Robert, The Making of Europe: Conquest, Colonization and Cultural Change, 950-1350 (1993)

Cuttino, G. P., English Medieval Diplomacy (1985)

Ullmann, W., Principles of Government and Politics in the Middle Ages (1974)