Unit information: Edward II (1307-1327) (Level I Special Field) in 2010/11

Unit name	Edward II (1307-1327) (Level I Special Field)
Unit code	HIST26001
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Professor. Smith
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of History (Historical Studies)
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The early fourteenth century was a crucial time in the development of English identity and in the nature of England's relations with its neighbours both in mainland Europe and within the British Isles. In comparison with his father, Edward I, and his son, Edward III, Edward II has been seen as a failure by English historians, though recent work perhaps suggests that he was a victim of bad luck as well as bad policies. This unit seeks to examine the reasons both for the political turmoil and civil wars within England in the early fourteenth century and for the retreat of English interests in the same period in the face of its neighbours and enemies. It puts the personality and actions of the king himself at the centre of our concerns, while exploring the economic and social changes which challenged traditional patterns of authority throughout western Europe at this time.

Aims:

• To place students in direct contact with the current research interests of the academic tutor

• To enable students to explore the issues surrounding the state of research on Edward II.

• To develop students ability to work with primary sources

• To develop students abilities to integrate primary source material into a wider historical analysis

• To develop students ability to learn independently within a small-group context.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit students should have:

• deepened their understanding of current historical research into Edward II

• become more experienced and competent in working with a widening range of primary sources

• become more adept at contributing to and learning from a small-group environment.

Teaching Information

• Weekly 2-hour seminar

• Tutorial feedback on essay

• Access to tutorial consultation with unit tutor in office hours

Assessment Information

1 x 2 hour exam

Reading and References

G. Dodd and A. Musson (eds.), The Reign of Edward II. New Perspectives (Woodbridge, 2006)

• R. Haines, King Edward II (Montreal, 2003)

• Seymour Phillips, Edward II (New Haven and London, 2010)

• M. Prestwich, The Three Edwards: War and State in England 1272-1377 (London, 1980)

• S. Raban, England under Edward I and Edward II : 1259-1327 (Oxford, 2000)

• J. A. Tuck, Crown and Nobility 1272-1461. Political Conflict in Late Medieval England (Oxford, 1985).