Module Identifier WH32130  
Module Title CONFLICT & COEXISTENCE: FROM THE NORMANS TO OWAIN GLYN DWR  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Karen Stoeber  
Semester Intended for use in future years  
Next year offered N/A  
Next semester offered N/A  
Mutually Exclusive HC32130  
Course delivery Lecture   18 x 1 hour  
  Seminars / Tutorials    
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam3 Hours 3 HOUR CLOSED EXAM  60%
Semester Assessment 2 X 2,500 WORD ESSAYS  40%
Supplementary Exam3 Hours CLOSED THREE-HOUR, THREE QUESTION EXAMINATION  60%
Supplementary Assessment ANY MISSING WRITTEN WORK  40%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to
Assess critically the body of historical knowledge which discusses medieval Wales in its wider social and political contexts.

Comprehend and assess the different historical debates and analyses evident in related texts, ranging from the Middle Ages to recent scholarly works.

Read, analyse and assess a range of different types of historical evidence, including literary evidence.

Comprehend the historical debates and problems regarding the impact of Anglo-Norman settlement on medieval Welsh society.

Develop and lead historical debates.

Work independently and as part of a group and take an active part in group discussions.

Express understanding and discuss related issues through writing in an academic context.

Understand the importance of historical sites and appreciate their role as physical evidence.

Brief description

The now ruined Welsh castles of Edward I are a powerful reminder of an age of conquest and power struggle, which lasted for centuries. Beginning with the Norman Conquest of England and the arrival of Norman settlers in Wales in the eleventh century, discussing the rise and fall of the native princes and ending with Owain Glyn D'r'r revolt in the fifteenth century, this module aims to introduce this period of conflict and coexistence which shaped and re-shaped medieval Wales and its people. Questions of national identity will be addressed in the light of the transformation of medieval Wales during the centuries of unrest and settlement, and these issues will be further illustrated with examples from medieval Welsh prose and poetry (in translation). By assessing the interaction of Welsh society through politics, trade and war, the situation of medieval Wales will be set into the wider European context.

Aims

This module is intended to provide an introduction to the history of medieval Wales and its struggle for independence during the centuries between the Norman Conquest and the Revolt of Owain Glyn D'r. It will thus fill the current gap in medieval Welsh History teaching in the department and extend further the options for students wishing to study the history of Wales.

Content

1. Introduction: assessing the evidence ? medieval sources
2. Wales before the Normans
3. Norman settlement in Wales ? society and economy
4. Norman settlement in Wales ? church and religion
5. Norman settlement in Wales ? the making of the march
6. The Welsh Princes (i)
7. The Welsh Princes (ii)
8. The Welsh Princes (iii)
9. The Edwardian Conquest (i)
10. The Edwardian Conquest (ii)
11. The Edwardian Conquest (iii)   
12. The Welsh Cistercians
13. The literary tradition (i)
14. The literary tradition (ii)
15. Owain Glyn D'r ? Wales in the late fourteenth century
16. Owain Glyn D'r ? the revolt
17. Owain Glyn D'r ? the aftermath
18. Conclusions

Module Skills

Problem solving Identify problems and factors which might influence potential solutions; develop creative thinking approaches to problem solving; evaluate advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions.  
Research skills Understand a range of research methods and plan and carry out research; produce academically appropriate pieces of written work.  
Communication Read a wide range of both primary and secondary texts; improve their listening skills during the lectures, and consequently develop skills in note taking; demonstrate and develop the ability to communicate ideas in two essays; skills in oral presentation will be developed in seminars.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Show awareness of own learning styles, personal preferences and needs; devise and apply realistic learning and self management strategies; devise a personal action plan to include short and long-term goals and to develop personal awareness of how to improve on these.  
Team work Understand the concept of group dynamics; contribute to the setting of group goals; contribute effectively to the planning of group activities; play an active part in group activities; exercise negotiation and persuasion skills; evaluate group activities and own contribution  
Information Technology Use a range of commonly used software packages; prepare and input data; manage storage systems; present information and data; use the internet appropriately and effectively.  
Personal Development and Career planning Develop awareness of personal skills, beliefs and qualities in relation to course in progression; plan and prepare for future course / career.  
Subject Specific Skills Develop a knowledge of, and familiarity with, a range of different medieval sources in Middle English and Welsh (translations provided); develop the ability to use appropriate historical research tools effectively.  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
A.D. Carr (1995) Medieval Wales London
A.O.H. Jarman and G.R. Hughes (eds.) (1997) A Guide to Welsh Literature, 1282-c.1550 Cardiff
John Davies (1994) A History of Wales London
R.R. Davies (1986) The Age of Conquest: Wales 1063-1415 Oxford
R.R. Davies (1997) The Revolt of Owain Glyn Dŵr Oxford
Turvey, R (2002) Welsh Princes: the native rulers of Wales, 1063-1283 London
Walker, D (1990) Medieval Wales Cambridge
Williams, I.M. (ed.) (2002) Cronica Walliae Cardiff

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6