Medieval England

This program is an interdisciplinary, introductory survey of all aspects of British history and culture from approximately 500-1500 c.e.

The primary learning objective is to become familiar with a millennium of history largely unfamiliar to most Americans. The syllabus provides a clear scaffolding for further independent or formal study of the Middle Ages in England. Students will be introduced by casual lectures, frequent discussion, site visits and collaborative inquiry to discover not only the cultural achievements of England’s medieval period but also its enduring relevance to America’s literary, political and religious consciousness. The course will provide an introduction to the history and culture of England from the arrival of Hengest and Horsa to the Battle of Bosworth Field.

Readings (all in modern English) will be complemented by a series of interdisciplinary lectures and site visits. Classes will initially be conducted (MTWR) at Durham University; there will be two two-hour meetings per day.

Students will reside at Grey College for the first three and a half weeks. We will then visit York for three days and spend our last week in rooms at London. Site visits will include Lindisfarne, Durham Castle and Cathedral, the Tower of London, York, Canterbury, Rochester, Hastings, and Sutton Hoo. There will also be ample opportunity for independent travel on long weekends. Students will also attain both experience and confidence for further study abroad. This program is especially good for novice travelers.