The Weaker Vessel? The role of women in 17th Century Britain

 

The Weaker Vessel? The role of Women in 17th Century Britain can be studied as a stand-alone course and it is an optional course for the Certificate of Higher Education in Genealogical Studies at Aberystwyth University.

Key Facts

 

Language: English

Duration: 10 Weeks

Number of Credits: 10

Tutor:  Claire Philips  

Learning Method: Online

Level: This module is at CQFW Level 4

Module Code: XE19810

Fee: £130.00 - Fee Waiver Scheme available

This course is available to book.

 

Overview

This course will offer students the chance to explore the role of women in the 17th century. It will explore the ways in which women challenged and crossed the gender divide during a turbulent time in history. It will also examine the traditional and non-traditional roles that women took on during this period and shows elements of power and persecution.
The course will enable students to study the ways in which women lived and worked during the seventeenth century and the ways in which they stepped outside the bounds of ‘womanhood'.

Programme

  • Unit 1 - Women and religion
  • Unit 2 - Women and work
  • Unit 3 - Women and medicine
  • Unit 4 - Sex and marriage
  • Unit 5 - Motherhood and the family
  • Unit 6 - Widows and remarriage
  • Unit 7 - Women and the English Civil War
  • Unit 8 - Outcast women
  • Unit 9 - Witchcraft 1
  • Unit 10 - Witchcraft 2

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

  1. Identify the main factors that allowed women to play an active part in the events of the time
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of both the traditional role of women and the ways in which it changed
  3. Identify the reasons for the altered and developing experience for women across the period

Assessments

  1. Source Analysis - 500 Words (30%)
  2. 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