Welsh History 1: Early Modern Wales (c. 1485-1815)

Overview

In 1485, Henry Tudor, defeated the English King, Richard I, at Bosworth field. This sets the stage for Wales and its relationships with the rest of the British Isles and the world in the Early Modern era (c. 1485-1815). In this module, students will explore the development of Wales through the Early Modern period, beginning with Tudor Wales during the turbulent period of political and religious change including the Acts of Union and the Reformation. We will move through the revolutionary period of Stuart Wales highlighting the Welsh in the Civil War, Restoration, and the Glorious Revolution. Additionally, we will explore the role of Wales in the New World, from the first English colonies to the American Revolution. Finally, we will explore the beginnings of modern Wales with the formation of a Nonconformist identity through the religious revivals and a working-class identity through the period of Atlantic Revolutions.

Programme

• Unit 1. Introduction – module outline, assessments, expectations, background information, the Medieval Context
• Unit 2. The ‘Mab Darogan’ and the Early Tudors
• Unit 3. Dissolution and Reformation
• Unit 4. Elizabeth I and the Church of England
• Unit 5. Wales and the Civil War
• Unit 6. Restoration, Jacobitism, and the Glorious Revolution
• Unit 7. Wales and the New World
• Unit 8. Methodism and the beginnings of Nonconformist Wales
• Unit 9. A Revolutionary Decade
• Unit 10. Romantic Wales

Learning Outcomes  

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the significant developments and key events of Early Modern Wales.
2. Explain, evaluate, and analyse both primary historical evidence and secondary sources.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of historiographical debates surrounding Early Modern Wales.

Assessments

1. Source Analysis - 500 words (30%)
2. Written Essay - 1500 words (70%)

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.