Curriculum Information

The sixteenth century was a period of reformation, rebellion, revolt and re-generation. This module examines the reigns of the Tudor monarchs from the accession of Henry VII in 1485 to the death of Elizabeth I in 1603, situating them within the wider context of European political and religious change. The Tudors left a legacy that was to shape the British Isles for decades and centuries to come, and they remain a popular and central feature in national memory. However, the Tudors did not operate in a vacuum. Through a close analysis of the reigns of the Tudor monarchs as well as other European Houses, including the Habsburgs of the Holy Roman Empire and the Valois of France, this module will introduce students to themes regarding power, authority, legitimacy and dynasty. As masters of stagecraft, early modern monarchs cultivated magnificence at their courts and beyond and so part of this module will focus on the presentation of power, might and wealth, including events such as the Field of the Cloth of Gold and the Armada. At the same time, religious and social policies led to fierce resistance internally and from abroad. Students will explore manifestations of this resistance, including rebellions, revolts, and wars, as well as martyrdom and religious persecution. A particular focus of the module examines the structures that supported royal power, including the nature of government, propaganda and art.