Historical Studies

A variety of teaching methods will be used in both the face-to-face and online elements of the course. In addition to lectures, PowerPoint slide presentations and tutor-led discussion, there will be opportunities for you to undertake course exercises in small groups and to give short presentations on prepared topics.

• four essays of 2,500 words each
• two source-based exercises of 1,500 words each
• a dissertation of between 8,000 and 10,000 words. 

At no extra cost, the wide range of lectures and research seminars organised by the University of Oxford’s History Faculty are also available to you. You will be able to borrow books from both the Department for Continuing Education’s library and the History Faculty Library, and are also eligible for membership of the Bodleian Library.

The first unit examines the interaction between the state and the individual from medieval to modern times and focuses upon authority, resistance, revolution and the development of political institutions.

The second unit explores cultural patronage in late medieval Europe and examines the diverse courtly responses to shared concerns and experiences, including the promotion of power and status; the relationship between piety and power; and the impact of dominant cultures.