HST 3230 Ancient and Medieval British History

This course explores histories of the peoples of the British Isles from the time of the Roman invasion to the end of the middle ages. Topics include the nature of the Roman province of Britannia, continuities and change after the departure of Rome and the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons, the nature of monarchy and the challenges to kingdoms in the Anglo-Saxon period, evolving religious beliefs and institutions throughout the ancient and medieval periods, the Norman Conquest and the “Frankification” of English culture, and consolidations and settlements in the high middle ages.

Credits

4 sh

Course Types

Civilization; Advanced Studies; European History elective

Offered

• Fall

1. Students will gain understanding of the many complex processes of change and continuity across several different time periods in early British history.
2. By combining analysis of primary and secondary sources, students will develop facility with historical interpretation and encounter important debates and orientations in the scholarly fields that inform the course material.
3. With several thesis-driven essays students will also develop skills in evidence-based reasoning and writing.
4. Students will become familiar with the politics and life in a Roman province, religion and monarchy in Anglo-Saxon England, the Norman Conquest and subsequent changes to English culture and language, and the Celtic responses to many of these transformations.