NSFC Enrichment
Diversified History
Explore various periods of History and engage with historiographical debates from a broad and diverse perspective. Within the enrichment, we will consider the history of groups that may suffer from stereotypical narratives within media, literature and outdated academia.
Diversified History challenges stereotypes of various groups within society and provides a safe space to adopt an analytical approach within our study of the periods.
Did you know that those with disabilities within the Tudor period were considered, in some cases, closer to God as they were suffering purgatory on earth rather than after death? Or that anthropologists have found evidence of non-binary Aztec priests and Mayan gods? Discover this, and more, within Diversified History!
What will you cover in this enrichment
Week One: Introduction to the Period
What key historiographical debates exist regarding the Tudor period, 1485-1509?
During this half term we will consider the experience of diverse groups within society during the Tudor period, 1485-1603. Within this session, you will explore and develop upon what you already know about the period through closer consideration of historiographical debates. To what extent was there a mid-Tudor crisis? Was Henry VIII a charismatic ruler or a bullying tyrant? Through such queries, you will gain an insight into and a broad understanding of the Tudor dynasty.
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Week Two: Physical Ability and Disability
How can we characterise the experience of those with disabilities within the Tudor period, 1485-1603?
Within this session we will explore the development of the meaning of the term disability over time. Such understanding will then be applied to the Tudor period as we consider how those with disabilities were perceived within Tudor society. Through primary sources and academic literature we will shed light upon the lives of key individuals such as Jayne Foole and William Somer. In turn, you will deepen your understanding of the unique opportunities and experiences of those with disabilities between 1485-1603.
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Week Three: Women
How can we characterise the experience of women within the Tudor period, 1485-1603?
Within this session we will explore the experience of women across various stages of the traditional hierarchies throughout Tudor society. We will consider how the experience and perspective of women has changed over time and delve deeper into the turbulent period of the Reformation, not from the perspective of Henry VIII, but rather from the perspective of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Katherine Parr. In turn, you will deepen your understanding of the unique opportunities and experiences of women 1485-1603.
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Week Four: Racial and Ethnic Minorities
How can we characterise the experience of racial and ethnic minorities within the period, 1485-1603?
Within this session we will explore the experience of racial and ethnic minorities through the analysis of individuals such as John Blanke and Anne Cobbie. Whilst there certainly was limited ethnic diversity within England throughout the period, the session will assess the works of Miranda Kaufmann who opens a window on the hitherto unknown part played by black people in 16th-century England. Such a historiographical approach will allow for a broader perspective on the experience and understanding of racial and ethnic minorities within the period between 1485-1603.
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Week Five: LGBTQIA+
How can we characterise the experience of members of the LGBTQIA+ community within the Tudor period, 1485-1603? Within this session we will explore the claim that ‘the legal status of gay relations over the 118 years in which the six monarchs of the Tudor dynasty ruled is a tale of two spheres which shifted enormously’. Historian, Alan Bray, draws parallels between the legal and social status of homosexuality along with both the Reformation and counter-Reformation. What impact did such legislation have within society? Additionally, we will consider the notorious ‘Golden Age’ during the Elizabethan era. Exploration of primary literary works will shed light on the experience of members of the LGBTQIA+ community within the Tudor period. In turn, you will gain a greater understanding of the perspective on the experience and understanding of members of the LGBTQIA+ community within the Tudor period between 1485-1603.
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Week Six: Religion
How can we characterise the experience of those with alternative religious beliefs within the Tudor period, 1485-1603? Within this session we will explore the approach to the persecution of Protestants and Catholics and the extent to which the Reformation and counter-Reformation enforced. We will also progress beyond the narrow scope of Christianity and consider Elizabethan relations with the Islamic world. A historiographical approach to the works of Jerry Brotton will reveal how Queen Elizabeth’s official excommunication by Pope Pius in 1570 provided a unique opportunity for operation beyond the papal edicts that restricted political and commercial alliances. Through a study of individuals such as Aura Soltana and Muhammad al-Annuri, we will consider, what has been noted as, a ‘significant but neglected aspect of Elizabethan history’. In turn, you will gain a greater understanding of the perspective on the experience and understanding of religion within the Tudor period between 1485-1603
