Module Information

Module Identifier
HQ34620
Module Title
The Reign of Edward II, 1307-27 (Part 2): Sources
Academic Year
2019/2020
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Seminar 10 x 2 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 1 x 2,500 word essay  50%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   1 x 2 hour exam  can this be scheduled for the first week of examination  50%
Supplementary Assessment 1 x 2,500 word supplementary (resit) essay  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   1 x 2 hour supplementary (resit) examination  50%

Learning Outcomes

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

Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the range of primary sources relevant to the study of England during the reign of Edward II.

Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the different ways in which medieval historians have used these sources, and of the complexities inherent in the historian’s task.

Critically evaluate primary source material relating to the reign of Edward II in order to illuminate prevailing political issues.

Brief description

The module will examine, week by week, a range of source types and explore themes arising from these sources in terms of the politics of the reign of Edward II (1307-27). This will also include a site visit, to Gloucester Cathedral and other neighbouring key sites.

Aims

This module is intended to provide a detailed view of a brief but important period in the later middle ages; the reign of Edward II is well-illustrated by narrative, legal, financial and governmental sources and students will be expected to develop an in-depth working knowledge of this material and an ability to apply it to the relevant historical issues. The module will develop ideas discussed in the semester one module and focus in particular on the range of sources which underpin our understanding of the reign of Edward II. It will provide a detailed introduction to historical approaches to an important sub-period.

Content

1. Chronicles
2. Governmental records I: the Writing Offices
3. Governmental records II: Finance, Exchequer and quantitative sources
4. Parliament and its sources in the early fourteenth century
5. Local records and the reign of Edward II
6. Private legal records: Charters and Indentures
7. Literary sources
8. Art and architecture
9. Gloucester Cathedral – field trip (double weighted)
10. Concluding session

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number NA
Communication Written communication skills will be developed through the coursework; skills in oral presentation will be developed in seminars but are not formally assessed.
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will be advised on how to improve research and communication skills through the individual tutorial providing feedback on submitted coursework.
Information Technology Students will be encouraged to locate suitable material on the web and to apply it appropriately to their own work. Students will also be expected to word-process their work and make use of Blackboard. These skills will not be formally assessed.
Personal Development and Career planning Students will develop a range of transferable skills, including time management and communication skills, which may help them identify their personal strengths as they consider potential career paths
Problem solving Students are expected to note and respond to historical problems which arise as part of the study of this subject area and to undertake suitable research for seminars and essays.
Research skills Students will develop their research skills by reading a range of texts and evaluating their usefulness in preparation for the coursework and the written examination
Subject Specific Skills Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the political context of the reign of Edward II.
Team work Students will be expected to play an active part in group activities (e.g. short group presentations in seminars) and to learn to evaluate their own contribution to such activities.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6