Module HIST58830: English Politics in Crisis, 1297-1311

Department: History

HIST58830: English Politics in Crisis, 1297-1311

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• Understanding the nature of medieval politics.
• Knowledge of the political crisies of the period 1297-1311.
• Grasp of the constitutional issues involved in the crisis of 1297, and in the Ordinances of 1311

Content

• The module will examine the political crises which began with that of 1297, and conclude with a study of the Ordinances of 1311. Although there is continuity in terms of the solutions proposed, notably from the Articuli of 1300 through to the Ordinances, historians have rarely treated this period as a unity. They have preferred to see the crisis of 1297 as the product of Edward I's overweening military ambitions, and that of 1311 as the outcome of Edward II's excessive affection for his favourite Piers Gaveston. The module will look at the composition of the opposition during this period, and will examine ways in which issues such as direct taxation, prise and policy on wool exports affected politics. The sources used will include chronicle accounts as well as the official documents produced in the course of the crises of this period.

Learning Outcomes

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The teaching methods for the module will be informal, based on individual tutorial sessions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

There is no seperate formative assessment, but at least one initial draft of the summative essay will be handed in for comment. The tutor will provide regular oral feedback on work in progress.