HI7143 Renaissance Kingship: The Rise and Demise of James IV, 1488-1513

Module Coordinator: Dr David Ditchburn
Duration: Michaelmas term
Contact Hours: 2 hours per week
Assessment: 1 x 3,500-5,000 essay on an approved topic relating to the module
ECTS: 10

This module seeks to explore renaissance kingship through the prism of one particular renaissance king: James IV of Scotland. Although taking its lead from the key events and themes of the king’s reign, students are encouraged to explore these issues on a wider canvas, comparing developments in Scotland with those in early Tudor England, the Habsburg Empire and also France and Denmark. There is throughout an emphasis on the use of primary source materials.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students should be able to:

• identify key political, social, economic and cultural events and issues which occurred during the reign of James IV, as revealed by in-depth analysis of documentary sources and secondary sources
• place this knowledge in the context of a broader knowledge and understanding of renaissance kingship, as exemplified in western and northern Europe, and other relevant developments in the Latin West
• formulate research questions for the purposes of essay writing and oral presentations
• engage critically and in-depth with primary texts and secondary literature
• complete an intensive, self-motivated study of a relevant historical problem, with high quality research organization and presentation