Welcome to HIST-B 309, section 35666, and HIST-H 509, section 34527, British History to 1688!

course learning objective: The goal of the course is to instill historical knowledge concerning the development of Britain and its institutions from its ancient origins through the Revolution of 1688.

course learning outcomes: In fulfillment of the course learning objective, students will be able to:

distinguish between facts and interpretation
ascertain the reliability of primary and secondary source materials
for specific examples, explain the difference between primary and secondary sources
distinguish between objectivity and advocacy in source materials
evaluate written, artistic, and architectural evidence to achieve research goals
recognize the significance of geopolitical information found in maps
assess research-based scholarship
analyze historical cause and effect
synthesize primary and secondary source materials to create new historical knowledge
engage an audience with that new synthesis through concise written communication

In short, students will learn the craft of history.

The course addresses the prehistoric society that produced Stonehenge; the Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Norman invasions; the development of medieval social, economic, and religious structures; feudalism; and the interplay of monarchy and Parliament. The course emphasizes political and constitutional change with economic, social, cultural, religious, and intellectual history interwoven. The course introduces historical literature, source material, and criticism.

learning objective for this module: The purpose of this class meeting is to introduce the class and ourselves—to meet and greet. We all will introduce ourselves, and I will ask you to comment on one event from British history of which you are aware, based on your previous understanding of British history from high school or college.

to do for this module:

read the textbook, preface, page xv
Click here to download the PowerPoint file with slides that I use in the classroom lecture.

Welcome to the class!

upcoming events:

1:30–2:45 PM Wednesday, September 15: class discussion of Bede (see Book Review of Bede)
No later than 11:59 PM, Wednesday, September 15: the book review of Bede, and the selection of your topic for the research paper (see Research Paper), are due.
1:30–2:45 PM, Monday, September 27: Meet at IUPUI University Library, 755 West Michigan Street, in Room 2120, the Learning Lab (in the reference room area, opposite the circulation desk, on the second floor of the library). Bill Orme, librarian liaison for the Department of History, will provide an orientation to online research and sources. (See Research Paper).