131-232 Elizabeth I: Power and Patriarchy

Formerly available as 131-005. Students who have completed 131-005 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 12.5 points of first year history.

This subject investigates the relationship between gender and the exercise of power in sixteenth-century England, and the transformation of the relationship during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Topics to be covered include Henry VIII and his six wives, Reformation in Britain, the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, courtly life, images of royal power, the Spanish Armada, and Elizabeth's legacy in poetry, drama and film. Students should develop a critical appreciation of the changing nature of power and authority in the sixteenth century, and understand how women ruled an intensely patriarchal society for fifty years.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion.

An essay of 1500 words 35% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2500 words 65% (due at the end of semester).