This course will explore the political, ideological and social characteristics of the Twelfth Century through the civil war which dominated Stephen's reign. As well as aiming at an understanding of the complex history of the period itself, it also engages with wider issues. 

14x1hr lectures; 6x1hr seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled in MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in History and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available in MyCampus.

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The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Exam (2 hour duration) - 60% 

■ Essay (2000 words) - 30% 

■ Seminar Presentation - 6% 

■ Seminar Contribution - 4% 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the Exam, but Extra Time can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ There are no alternatives to the Essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ A Recorded presentation as alternative to presentation.

■ Written self-evaluation reflecting on seminar contribution and/or written response to seminar material in advance or after seminar as alternative to seminar contribution.

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

This course aims to:

■ Develop the intellectual interests and analytical skills acquired by students during their first two years.

■ Provide an awareness of previously unfamiliar methodological approaches, chronological periods and geographical areas by offering a wide and flexible choice of options.

■ Offer the opportunity to develop skills in historical computing, as well as basic IT awareness.

■ Provide familiarity with complex historical debates and interpretations, skill in interpreting primary sources where appropriate, and to inform these discussions with new ideas derived from lecturers' current research.

■ Develop transferable skills by fostering individual initiative, personal choice, group discussion and, where appropriate, problem-solving teamwork.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Understand and have the ability to make judgements upon the complexities of the history of the reign.

■ Approach more conceptual issues such as the nature of the 'anarchy', and the structures of the 'kingdom' and 'society' and to apply your understanding of these through the class work.

■ Display an awareness of the importance of the primary source material and an ability to analyse it constructively in understanding of the period.