Normandy and the Normans c. 900-1204 (P01729)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : HCA-P-Normandy

This course explores the history of Normandy and the Norman diaspora, beginning with the establishment of Normandy in 911 and ending with its 'fall' in 1204, but concentrating on the 'long'eleventh century when the Normans made a profound impact in the British Isles, south Italy and Sicily, and on the first crusade. Key debates about the nature of power and lordship, the reasons for migrations, and the impact of conquest and settlement are studied, informed by a comparative approach and a study of a range of contemporary sources, especially the narratives produced by the Normans themselves.

Indicative Course Content:
1. Introduction: period, sources, debates
2. From Neustria to Normandy; the 'revolution' of the year one thousand
3. The rise of ducal Normandy
4. Early eleventh century diasporas
5. Conquest and Settlement (1): Italy and England
6. Conquest and Settlement (2) Wales and Scotland
7. Power and lordship
8. The Church transformed
9. Natives and Newcomers : Law, Culture, and Society
10. Historical Writing (2): The Normans in their own Writings
11. The 'fall' of ducal Normandy

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of History and Classics), (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 1 hour(s) 50 minutes per week for 11 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The course is designed to enhance students' understanding of key historiographical debates about change in medieval Europe, especially about the alleged 'revolution' of the year 1000, of the character of conquest and settlement in the eleventh century, and of the nature of medieval states and principalities. They will develop their skills in analysing contemporary source material, and of adopting a comparative approach to history.