Fractured Kingdoms and Fragmented Realms: Ireland and Britain, c.1400-c.1600

Overview

At the dawn of the fifteenth century, the political map of the Irish and British Isles had never seemed more fragmented. England was recovering from a short but bitter civil war and preparing to re-ignite the Hundred Years War with France. In Wales, a major rebellion was brewing, while, in the north, the Scottish monarchy was struggling to rule its subjects. Further west, an even more significant series of events were taking place: the Irish aristocracy were growing in power and seeking to exploit England’s rising political and dynastic difficulties.



This module explores the political development of the Irish and British Isles during a formative period in their history. It considers the evolving relationship between each region of the archipelago and pays particular attention to how events in Scotland and Ireland shaped English politics during key conflicts such as the Hundred Years War and the Wars of the Roses. It also discusses the impact of the Reformation and how the rising security threat posed by the Irish aristocracy (and their ability to negotiate with England’s enemies) ultimately prompted the Tudors’ decision to pursue the full military reconquest of the island.

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of how Irish and British political history, c.1400-c.1600

Discuss how scholarship has evolved on Irish and ‘British’ history

Think critically about some of the main political, economic, social, and environmental factors shaping archipelagic history in this period

Communicate ideas to others in a clear and concise manner, in both oral and written form

Skills

Enhanced their critical and analytical skills through close readings of primary sources.

Completed a detailed literature review of the main debates in the secondary literature

Employed library skills to prepare assignments and research

Developed a greater degree of self-directed learning

Enhanced their oral and written presentation skills

Assessment