DHIS 27A02 - Panorama of English History

For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, the tiny islands of Great Britain dominated world trade, economic, judicial, religious and educational institutions. And the language of English continues to dominate around the world. And yet, just under a thousand years ago, England as a country and English as a language looked all but set for confinement to the dustbin of history as the Norman French invaded and took control of the small but prosperous Saxon kingdom. They governed much of the British Isles for over three hundred years and for large periods England was considered as an outpost of the greater Norman empire.

This course will look at some of the major events in English history from the year 1066 to the 17th Century. The aim of the course is to give a very general idea of the way in which political and social institutions have developed over the past thousand years. Where possible, and time permitting, we will also look at the lives and ideas of the ordinary men and women who are often ignored by history but without whom no such history could exist.

A lesson plan is given followed by a short bibliography. You are not expected to read all the books but you will be expected to show that you have done some background reading. This will stand you in good stead for the coming years. Good luck and enjoy the course!