Unit information: The Norman Conquest in 2021/22

Unit name	The Norman Conquest
Unit code	HIST20127
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Pohl
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 Norman Conquest of 1066 represents one of the most important and influential – but also one of the most widely debated – events in the history of England and Europe. The momentous victory of William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings and his coronation as the first Norman king of England on Christmas Day that same year marked the creation of a new and powerful cross-Channel dominion: the so-called Anglo-Norman kingdom. For generations, modern historians have analysed, discussed and disputed the impact of the Norman Conquest on virtually every aspect of medieval society and culture on both sides of the English Channel, including politics, religion, economy, law, language and, not least, identity and cultural memory. Some of the changes were profound and long-lasting, for example, the introduction of the French language and literature into England, as well as the creation of a new political and religious landscape (including the erection of imposing Norman castles and palaces, as well as of Norman monasteries). On the other hand, there were also important continuities between the Anglo-Saxon and the Anglo-Norman period. In the course of this unit, we will explore the Norman Conquest from a broad variety of critical perspectives and familiarise ourselves with the most important primary sources, including not only historical texts such as chronicles, poems and songs, but also other forms of narratives such as the famous Bayeux Tapestry, as well as Norman art and architecture. We will also compare and contrast the prevalent scholarly interpretations of the Norman Conquest and examine how our modern notions and memories of this key event have developed over the course of several decades. In addition, we will contextualise the Norman Conquest of England with the expansion of Norman power and dominion into other parts of medieval Europe (and beyond) during the eleventh and twelfth centuries, including the Norman dominions in the Mediterranean (Sicily and Southern Italy) and the Holy Land (Antioch). Taken together, these explorations will enable us to understand more precisely how the events of 1066 and its aftermath have helped to shape the face of Europe.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, successful students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding and detailed knowledge of the history of the Norman Conquest and the wider Anglo-Norman world
2. Integrate both primary and secondary source material into a wider historical analysis and argument
3. Demonstrate an understanding of how to approach a long term historical analysis from a modern perspective
4. Select relevant evidence in order to illustrate historical arguments
5. Identify a particular academic interpretation, evaluate it critically and form an individual viewpoint, as appropriate to level I

Teaching Information

Classes will involve a combination of class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.

Assessment Information

1 x 3500-word Essay (50%) [ILOs 1-5]; 1 x Timed Assessment (50%) [ILOs 1-5]

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. HIST20127).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.