Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module HIST58830: English Politics in Crisis, 1297-1311

Department: History

HIST58830: English Politics in Crisis, 1297-1311

Type Open Level 4 Credits 30 Availability Available in 2007/08

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

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

Subject-specific Knowledge:
    Subject-specific Skills:
      Key Skills:

        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

        Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
        Tutorials 9 Weekly 1 hour 9
        Preparation and Reading 291
        Total 300

        Summative Assessment

        Component: Essay Component Weighting: 100%
        Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
        Essay 5000 words 100%

        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.


        Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University