HS1TUD-The Tudors in Early Modern England: Power, Politics, and Religion

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Eilish Gregory

Email: e.m.gregory@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is optional for SINGLE HONOURS STUDENTS ONLY. The course introduces students to a comprehensive examination of the political, religious, and cultural power of the Tudors in the history of early modern England. It will examine how successive Tudor monarchs dealt with religious and political challenges to their rule and authority, while assessing how these changes in Tudor England influenced art, culture, literature, and architecture.

Aims:

The aims of this module are for students to obtain an understanding of how the Tudors established a powerful dynasty in England during the late-fifteenth to early-seventeenth centuries, amid times of substantial religious, political, and cultural evolution. The module will introduce students to the power and ruling style of each successive Tudor monarch, and the political, social, and cultural impact and consequences of the domestic and international challenges they faced.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• identify the sources of the topic in question


• trace its historical development


• be aware of the differing – and often competing – historiographical interpretations of the nature and causes of this development


• understand how ideas and events are shaped by their historical contexts


• organise material and articulate arguments effectively i n writing, both in timed exam conditions and assessed coursework


• demonstrate familiarity with bibliographical conventions and mastery of library skills.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims:

• to encourage students to think independently


• to help students develop good oral and written communication skills


• to develop the effectiveness of students in group situations


• to develop IT skills through the use of relevant resources.

Outline content:

The Tudors are arguably one of the most famous royal families in British and European history, whose images and power are emblazoned everywhere in the fabric of British history and culture. In this module, you will become familiar with the power and authority of each successive Tudor monarch and how they battled with domestic and international resistance to their rule. The sixteenth century was a time of growing global expansion, especially after the discovery of America in 1492, and the Tudo rs made their own mark on empire-building in Ireland and in American colonial enterprises. At the same time, religion in Reformation Europe had an immense impact on religious and cultural life in sixteenth-century England, and this European influence will be examined to understand how religious debates in and outside of England shaped the personal religious views and mindsets of the later Tudor monarchs. Finally, the module will provide the opportunity to learn about how the Tudors displayed the ir wealth and power in a material way through cultural patronage, chiefly in portraits and palace building.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching is by eight two-hour seminars over one term. Students are reminded to email their tutors for help and advice whenever needed and to note office hours.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		16	1
Tutorials		1
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)		16
Exam revision/preparation			25
Preparation for seminars		8
Completion of formative assessment tasks		8
Essay preparation		25
Total hours by term	0	74	26
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Written exam 50% 

one 1-hour unseen paper requiring 1 answer

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written assignment 50%:

1 written assignment of c. 1,250 words, to be submitted once via Blackboard on Turnitin, by 12 noon on the submission deadline in Week 11 specified on the module site on Blackboard.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Where a re-sit is permitted, students will be assessed on the failed element(s) only in August. Any element(s) already passed will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Any element which is re-sat in August is capped at 40%. Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon, on the last Friday of August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 24 July 2020