The Women of the Wars of the Roses

Overview

The role of women during the Wars of the Roses has often been overlooked. This is surprising given the number of women who played a significant part during this period of political turmoil. This introductory course looks at key figures during the wars including Elizabeth Woodville (Edward IV’s queen), Margaret Beaufort (Henry VII’s mother) and Cecily Neville (mother of Edward IV and Richard III). The course will introduce you to original material from the period including letters written by the individuals and cultural items such as church monuments. You will interpret the Wars of the Roses through the perspective of contemporaries and the women themselves - all of whom have left a mark on our history. 
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.

Programme

Activities and tasks will be embedded into each unit so students can practise the techniques they have learned and develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to share their own work and participate in discussions on Blackboard. Alongside the learning materials on Blackboard the tutor will be on hand via email to answer any queries and provide guidance throughout the course. They will also participate in the online discussions.   

• Unit 1 - Introduction – Women in the Fifteenth Century 
• Unit 2 - Margaret of Anjou – Lancastrian ‘She-Wolf’?
• Unit 3 - Elizabeth Woodville – Yorkist queen 
• Unit 4 - Cecily Neville – Yorkist matriarch 
• Unit 5 - Margaret Beaufort – Mother of a dynasty 
• Unit 6 - Jane Shore – Royal mistress

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of women (principally aristocrats) during the Wars of the Roses, and develop knowledge of the key individuals involved, including their reputations both during the wars and after.
2. Analyse, interpret and discuss a selection of primary sources related to women during the Wars of the Roses.
3. Select and synthesise information from a range of secondary sources, identifying key arguments in those materials.
4. Search, navigate and utilise material on websites for secondary and primary sources.
5. Collate, analyse and synthesise information from a range of material used on the module, to write a short project on one of the individuals which develops an argument. 

Assessments

1. Source Analysis (500 words) 25%
2. Project (1500 words) 75% 

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.