Richard III: Life and Legacy

The discovery of the ‘king in the car park’ in 2012 led to renewed interest in Richard III and sparked fresh debates over his reputation. Despite his short reign, it can be argued that no other English monarch has attracted as much attention and controversy. This beginner’s module will introduce you to Richard’s career as Duke of Gloucester, his accession to the throne, his reign, the debates over his reputation beginning with the Tudor historians, and the archaeological dig which led to the discovery of his remains. Comparing contemporary sources with subsequent historical controversies, you will be able to develop your own interpretations of the king. Was he an evil tyrant? Can he be seen as a personification of the violent times in which he lived? How has his reputation changed over the centuries, and what exactly can the discovery of his remains tell us about the king?

This course enables you to study from home and participate in an online community of other students. The module is delivered through Blackboard, our online learning environment.
This course can be studied as a stand-alone course, but it is also an optional module for the Certificate of Higher Education in Genealogical Studies at Aberystwyth University.

Assessments
1. Source analysis 500 words (20%)
2. Written assignment 1500 (80%)

Note

This module is at CQFW Level 4