HS1803: The World of the Anglo-Saxons, c.500-c.1087

School History
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS1803
External Subject Code 100309
Number of Credits 30
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Jenny Benham
Semester Double Semester
Academic Year 2014/5

Outline Description of Module

This module assesses the achievements of the Anglo-Saxons from their arrival in Britain in the fifth century until the end of the eleventh century and the conquest by the Normans. This was a pivotal period in the history of what would become the kingdom of England, shaping identity, language, society, and seeing the beginnings of legal, administrative and geographical structures that still persist today. It begins by examining the conversion of the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity and its impact on society and culture, while also looking at the formation of kingdoms and their relations with each other, the ‘British’, and their neighbours on the continent. The module will further explore the wars of King Alfred, the impact of the Vikings, the creation of a united England, the conquests of the eleventh century, and the role, impact and legacies of significant religious and political figures from the late Anglo-Saxon period. The course will be underpinned by the study of a range of primary material in order to further consider artistic and literary achievements.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the political, social and cultural history of Anglo-Saxon England c.500-c.1087 and an understanding of the wider historical context and the historiography of the subject;
  • demonstrate a comprehensive critical understanding of such concepts as kingship, identity, and law and justice;
  • discuss with reference to the primary and secondary material selected topics such as the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons, culture and society, the impact of the Vikings, the creation of a united English kingdom, monastic reform, and the Danish and Norman conquests;
  • elucidate and evaluate the relative merits of a range of interpretations relevant to particular issues;
  • formulate and justify their own arguments and conclusions;
  • present their analyses clearly and concisely both in written and oral answers.

How the module will be delivered

A range of teaching methods will be used in each of the sessions of the course, comprising a combination of lectures, seminar discussion of major issues and workshops for the study of primary source material. The syllabus is divided into a series of major course themes, then sub-divided into principal topics for the study of each theme.

Lectures:

The aim of the lectures is to provide a brief introduction to a particular topic, establishing the salient features of major course themes, identifying key issues and providing historiographical guidance. The lectures aim to provide a basic framework for understanding and should be thought of as useful starting points for further discussion and individual study. Where appropriate, handouts and other materials may be distributed to reinforce the material discussed.

Seminar and Source Workshops:

The primary aim of the sessions will be to generate debate and discussion amongst course participants, focused in particular on primary source material. Seminars and source workshops for each of the course topics will provide an opportunity for students:

(a) to discuss topics or issues introduced by the lectures,

or(b) to discuss related themes, perhaps not directly addressed by the lectures, but drawing on ideas culled from those lectures.

and(c) to analyse different types of primary sources available, discussing the principal ways in which they can be used by historians 

Seminars and source workshops will provide the student with guidance on how to critically approach the various types of primary source material. Preparation for seminars and workshops will focus on specific items from the sources and related background reading, with students preparing answers to questions provided for each session. Both seminars and source workshops will provide an opportunity to discuss and debate the issues with fellow students. Classes will be divided into smaller groups for discussion purposes, with the results presented as part of an overall class debate at the end of the session.

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • communicate ideas and arguments effectively, whether in class discussion or in written form, in an accurate, succinct and lucid manner.
  • formulate and justify arguments and conclusions about a range of issues, and present appropriate supporting evidence
  • an ability to modify as well as to defend their own position.
  • an  ability to think critically and challenge assumptions
  • an ability to use a range of information technology resources to assist with information retrieval and assignment presentation.
  • time management skills and an ability to independently organise their own study methods and workload.
  • work effectively with others as part of a team or group in seminar or tutorial discussions.   

How the module will be assessed

Students will be assessed by means of a combination of an assessed essay relating to primary sources [20%], an assessed essay [30%] and an examination paper [50%].

Course assignments:

  1. TheAssessed Essay relating to primary sources will contribute 20% of the final mark for the module and must be no longer than 1,000 words.
  2. The Assessed Essay will contribute 30% 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.
  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.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 20 Assessed Essay 1 N/A
Written Assessment 30 Assessed Essay 2 N/A
Exam - Spring Semester 50 The World Of The Anglo-Saxons, C.500-C.1087 2

Syllabus content

  • The arrival of the Anglo-Saxons
  • The conversion of the English
  • Non-Christian religion
  • The supremacy of Northumbria in the seventh century
  • Culture and society: Sutton Hoo ship burial and the Staffordshire hoard
  • Mercia and the eighth century
  • Kingship
  • The rise of Wessex and the reign of King Alfred
  • Monastic reform and the Church
  • The creation of a united English kingdom
  • Aethelred ‘the Unready’
  • The Danish kings of England
  • Edward the Confessor
  • Harold, William and the Norman conquest
  • The impact of the Norman conquest on English society
  • Domesday Book
  • War, peace and diplomacy in the Anglo-Saxon period
  • The Anglo-Saxon legacy

Essential Reading and Resource List

Campbell, J., The Anglo-Saxons (Oxford, 1982; repr. 1991)

John, E., Reassessing Anglo-Saxon England (Manchester, 1996)

Kirby, D. P. The Earliest English Kings (London, 1991)

Stenton, F. M. Anglo-Saxon England, 3rd edn. (Oxford, 1971)

Williams, Ann, Kingship and Government in Pre-Conquest England (Basingstoke, 1999)

Background Reading and Resource List

Please see Essential Reading List.


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