Overview

The course will examine a number of important episodes of Henry II's life and reign, and also key themes such as the growth in the efficiency and expertise of royal government, the development of the English common law, and the patronage or punishment of subjects, the right balance of which was vital to successful kingship. Close attention will also be given to Robert of Torigni's Chronicle, Gerald of Wales's The Conquest of Ireland, and a number of textbooks produced at the time such as the legal treatise known as Glanvill, The Dialogue of the Exchequer, and The Civilized Man - the first book of etiquette. The castles constructed by Henry II will also be considered, as will some of the wall-paintings and manuscript illuminations produced during his reign, so as to provide a rounded picture of the environment in which Henry lived. The module handbook provides a full breakdown of the content of the module.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse primary sources, assess them in the historical contexts in which they were produced, and to use them to construct arguments relating to the themes and issues of the module.

• Demonstrate an ability to articulate sustained, informed and analytical historical arguments.

• Develop oral communication skills through seminar discussion and will develop team-working skills through some of the activities that take place during seminars (e.g. the role-play of an Exchequer session)

• Evaluate competing portrayals and interpretations of various events and themes in the life and reign of Henry II