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Eve Williams MMus

After the success of my best selling English Literature course, students emailed me to ask where they could learn about English History so I put together this box set course for everybody fascinated with this intriguing topic. By the end of the course you will be conversant with English history.

If you need to know about English history for academic reasons or to pass a citizenship test or even because you love historical novels and period dramas, have a keen interest in English langiage and literature, or you just want to be better informed, this is the course for you.

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After the success of my best selling English Literature course, students emailed me to ask where they could learn about English History so I put together this box set course for everybody fascinated with this intriguing topic. By the end of the course you will be conversant with English history.

If you need to know about English history for academic reasons or to pass a citizenship test or even because you love historical novels and period dramas, have a keen interest in English langiage and literature, or you just want to be better informed, this is the course for you.

After the course you will be fully conversant with the key facts, periods and themes of English history and you will also be able to find reliable resources to keep learning about English, British and world history.

The course is unique in that most history courses available focus on single periods or issues within English History but this course gives an in depth overview from Stonehenge to the Cold War. It’s like an English History box set with a lot of detail but not overwhelming.

As a medievalist trained at the prestigious Queen’s University of Belfast, history is in my background and it’s also my passion. I hope it will be yours, too.

We will learn about key aspects of English history such as:

· Stonehenge and British pre-history

· The Roman Occupation

· The Anglo- Saxon period

· The rule of the Plantagenets (including Magna Carta and the Wars of the Roses).

· The Tudors and how modern Britain started to emerge during the English Renaissance

· The Stuarts and the development of the UK’s parliamentary political system

· The Hanovers and Britain’s growing Empire

· The reign of Queen Victoria and the age of industrialisation and technology

· The First World War and how it changed life in Britain

· World War II and post-war Britain

· The Cold War

There are even some fun facts on the way. Do you know:

· Which king was so fat he exploded when they tried to put him in his grave?

· Which famous warrior king died because of a frying pan?

· Which respected Queen created a law that everybody had to wear woollen hats on Sunday?

· How did Tudor people treat household illnesses?

· How could you tell if someone was a witch?

By the end of the course you will be able to answer these questions plus you will have developed your knowledge of the history of politics, immigration and colonialism, freedom of religion, the monarchy and the economy of the United Kingdom.

I’m really looking forward to joining you. Please enrol today with no risk due to Udemy’s 30 day money back guarantee. See you on the course.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Become completely conversant with english history
  • Understand the progression from neolithic times to modern britain
  • Discover the key events of every major period in english history
  • Understand the growth of british poltics, economics and rights
  • Find out about key figures in british history
  • Explore concepts which have relevance today such as colonialism, a free economy and freedom of thought and religion
  • Identify trustworthy historical sources
  • Enjoy many moving stories from the uk's history
  • Learn some fun facts about dotty rulers, mad rebels and perplexed peasants
  • Access further learning from reliable sources included in the course materials
  • Experince samples of literature, music and art from several periods of british history
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Syllabus

Introduction
Neolithic Britain: Stonehenge
Stonehenge and British Pre-History
Section Notes and Bibliography
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an overview of English history from Stonehenge to the Cold War, which is useful for those seeking a broad understanding of the topic
Covers key facts, periods, and themes of English history, which is helpful for academic purposes or citizenship test preparation
Includes samples of literature, music, and art from several periods of British history, which may enrich the learning experience
Explores concepts such as colonialism, a free economy, and freedom of thought and religion, which are relevant to contemporary issues
Includes fun facts about rulers, rebels, and peasants, which may make learning more engaging and memorable
Offers further learning from reliable sources included in the course materials, which may help learners continue their studies

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive english history overview

According to learners, this course offers a positive vast and comprehensive journey through English history, covering everything from pre-history to the Cold War. Students appreciate that it acts as a neutral "box set" providing a positive solid foundation for understanding the key periods and figures. While the lectures are often found to be positive engaging and full of interesting facts, some learners note that the sheer volume of content means that individual topics are covered in warning less depth than they might prefer, potentially feeling warning overwhelming at times. Overall, it's seen as particularly positive good for beginners or those needing a broad, chronological understanding.
An excellent starting point for newcomers to the subject.
"As someone with no prior knowledge, this course gave me a perfect foundation."
"If you're new to English history, this is a fantastic place to start building your knowledge."
"Great for getting conversant with the basics for tests or just general interest."
Instructor makes history interesting with facts and stories.
"The fun facts and anecdotes the instructor includes really help make the history stick."
"I enjoyed the way the content wasn't just dry dates and names; there were compelling stories woven in."
"Kept me engaged throughout the long timeline thanks to the presentation style."
Covers the entirety of English history chronologically.
"I really wanted a course that covered the whole span of English history, and this one delivered just that."
"It's amazing how much history is packed into this course, from Stonehenge right up to the Cold War."
"Finally, a single place to get a complete overview of every major period!"
The amount of information can feel quite large.
"There is an enormous amount of information to process, which can be overwhelming at times."
"I found myself needing to pause and digest the content frequently because of the sheer volume."
"It covers so much ground that it sometimes feels like you're just scratching the surface of each era before moving on."
Provides breadth over depth in its coverage.
"Because it covers so much, some areas feel a bit rushed; I wanted more detail on certain periods."
"It's definitely a high-level overview. Don't expect deep academic dives into every single event."
"Good for the big picture, but if you're interested in a niche topic, you'll need to look elsewhere."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in English History Box Set with these activities:
Review Key Figures and Events of Roman Britain
Reinforce your understanding of Roman Britain, a foundational period covered early in the course, to better grasp its lasting impact on English history.
Browse courses on Roman Empire
Show steps
  • Review notes and materials related to Roman Britain.
  • Create a timeline of key events and figures.
  • Summarize the main contributions of Roman civilization to Britain.
Read 'A Short History of England' by Simon Jenkins
Gain a broader perspective on English history to contextualize the specific periods and events covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on key periods and events.
  • Take notes on important figures and their contributions.
  • Relate the book's content to the course syllabus.
Create a Timeline of the Tudor Dynasty
Solidify your understanding of the Tudor period by creating a visual timeline of key events, figures, and cultural developments.
Show steps
  • Research the major events and figures of the Tudor dynasty.
  • Create a visual timeline using online tools or software.
  • Include brief descriptions of each event and figure.
  • Share your timeline with other students for feedback.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Read 'The Plantagenets' by Dan Jones
Deepen your knowledge of the Plantagenet dynasty, a pivotal period in English history, by exploring its key figures and events.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the reigns of key Plantagenet monarchs.
  • Take notes on the major political and social developments.
  • Compare and contrast the Plantagenet period with other eras in English history.
Research and Present on a Specific Aspect of Victorian Life
Enhance your understanding of the Victorian era by conducting in-depth research on a specific topic and presenting your findings.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific aspect of Victorian life (e.g., industrialization, social reform, art, literature).
  • Conduct thorough research using primary and secondary sources.
  • Prepare a presentation summarizing your findings.
  • Present your research to other students and answer questions.
Create a Comparative Timeline of British Monarchs
Consolidate your knowledge of English monarchs by creating a detailed timeline comparing their reigns, key events, and lasting impacts.
Show steps
  • Research the reigns of different English monarchs from various periods.
  • Create a timeline using software or online tools.
  • Include key events, policies, and cultural developments for each monarch.
  • Compare and contrast the different monarchs and their contributions to English history.

Career center

Learners who complete English History Box Set will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
History Teacher
A history teacher educates students about past events, figures, and movements, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. This English History Box Set course prepares one to teach British history effectively, offering a chronological journey from Stonehenge to the Cold War. The course provides a structured understanding of key events, political developments, and social transformations. Teachers can draw upon the course's content to design engaging lesson plans, incorporating examples of literature, music, and art from different periods. The fun facts and anecdotes included in the course add an element of entertainment and memorability to lessons. Furthermore, by exploring themes like colonialism, a free economy, and freedom of thought, history teachers can encourage students to analyze the relevance of the past to contemporary issues.
Writer
Writers create content for various mediums, including books, articles, websites, and scripts, often requiring in-depth knowledge of specific subjects. This English History Box Set course prepares one to write about English history with authority and accuracy. Whether crafting historical fiction, non-fiction, or educational materials, a writer can benefit from the course's comprehensive overview of English history, covering key periods, figures, and themes. The course's exploration of British politics, economics, and culture provides a rich tapestry of details for writers to draw upon. The fun facts and anecdotes included in the course offer opportunities for engaging and entertaining readers. The course's attention to literature, music, and art adds depth and dimension to writing.
Museum Educator
Museum educators develop and deliver educational programs, tours, and workshops for visitors of all ages at museums and historical sites. For educators focused on British history, this English History Box Set course will be extremely helpful. The course provides a comprehensive overview of English history, covering key periods, figures, and themes from Stonehenge to the Cold War. The curriculum's exploration of British politics, economics, and culture, enhances a museum educator's ability to create engaging and informative learning experiences. The fun facts and anecdotes add an element of entertainment and memorability to programs.
Museum curator
A museum curator oversees collections and exhibits, ensuring their accuracy and relevance. If the curator's focus is British history, this English History Box Set course is extremely helpful. The course delivers a comprehensive grasp of English history, touching on major periods like the Roman occupation, the Anglo-Saxon era, the Plantagenets, the Tudors, and the Victorian age. With this knowledge, a museum curator can develop engaging and informative exhibits that capture the essence of each period. Furthermore, understanding the evolution of British politics, economics, and rights, as covered in the course, contributes to a nuanced interpretation of artifacts and historical narratives. The course also helps one to identify reliable historical sources.
Public Historian
Public historians work to make history accessible and engaging for the general public through museums, archives, historical societies, and other institutions. If your goal is to educate the public on British history, this English History Box Set course is tremendously helpful. The curriculum includes a comprehensive overview of English history, providing a solid foundation for developing public programs, exhibits, and educational materials. Public historians benefit from the curriculum's exploration of British politics, economics, and culture, as well as this course's exploration of colonialism, a free economy, and freedom of thought, enriching their ability to make history relevant and engaging for diverse audiences.
Historical Consultant
Historical consultants provide expertise to various projects, such as films, documentaries, books, and museum exhibitions, ensuring historical accuracy and authenticity. This English History Box Set course will be useful for a historical consultant because it provides an in-depth overview of English history, covering major periods, events, and themes. The course's exploration of diverse aspects of British history, including politics, economics, and culture, enhances a consultant's ability to offer well-informed advice. The course's coverage of fun facts and historical anecdotes adds color and depth to projects. Additionally, the ability to identify trustworthy historical sources is invaluable for historical consultants.
Historical Interpreter
Historical interpreters bring history to life through storytelling, costumed interpretation, and interactive demonstrations at historical sites and museums. Historical interpreters of English history find that this English History Box Set course is extremely useful. With the course, they gain a solid understanding of major periods, figures, and themes from Stonehenge to the Cold War. The course enriches their storytelling with insights into British politics, economics, and culture. Also helpful are the fun facts and anecdotes, which add an element of entertainment.
Genealogist
A genealogist researches and traces family histories, connecting individuals to their ancestors and uncovering fascinating stories. This English History Box Set course aids genealogists focused on British ancestry. The course's comprehensive coverage of English history, from Stonehenge to the Cold War, provides a framework for understanding the historical context of family lineages. Genealogists can utilize the course's insights into political, economic, and social developments to enrich their research and interpretation of family records. The course's exploration of immigration, colonialism, and religion provides valuable context for understanding migration patterns and cultural influences. The course also helps one to identify trustworthy historical sources.
Tour Guide
Tour guides lead visitors on excursions, providing informative and engaging commentary about historical sites, cultural landmarks, and local attractions. With the aid of this English History Box Set course, tour guides focused on English history can enhance their knowledge and storytelling abilities. The course offers a comprehensive overview of English history, from Stonehenge to the Cold War, providing a wealth of information to share with tour participants. Tour guides can draw upon the course's insights into British politics, economics, and culture to create immersive and educational experiences. The course's inclusion of fun facts and anecdotes adds an element of entertainment and memorability for tourists.
Archivist
An archivist is responsible for appraising, collecting, preserving, and providing access to historical documents and records. This English History Box Set course may be useful for archivists specializing in British history, as it provides a comprehensive overview of key events, figures, and themes from Stonehenge to the Cold War. Understanding the nuances of British politics, economics, and cultural shifts, as covered in the course, helps an archivist contextualize and interpret historical materials. The course's exploration of colonialism, freedom of religion, and other relevant concepts provides a broader perspective for understanding the significance of various documents. The course also directs learners to trustworthy historical sources, which is critical in this role.
Cultural Heritage Manager
Cultural heritage managers oversee the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage sites, artifacts, and traditions. This English History Box Set course offers useful background for cultural heritage managers focused on preserving and promoting English history and culture. The course's comprehensive overview of English history, from Stonehenge to the Cold War, provides a strong foundation for understanding the significance of various cultural heritage assets. The course helps one build a knowledge of British politics, economics, and rights.
Librarian
Librarians manage and curate collections of books and other resources, facilitating access to information and promoting literacy. This English History Box Set course may be useful for librarians seeking to expand their knowledge of English history and literature. The course provides a broad overview of key periods, figures, and themes in English history, from Stonehenge to the Cold War. Librarians can use this knowledge to curate relevant collections, assist patrons with research inquiries, and develop educational programs. The course's exploration of historical sources is helpful for librarians in evaluating and selecting materials for their collections.
Political Analyst
Political analysts examine and interpret political trends, policies, and events, offering insights to inform decision-making. Although the course does not directly address current politics, this English History Box Set course will be useful for a political analyst seeking to understand the historical roots of British political institutions and ideologies. The course provides a comprehensive overview of English history, from Stonehenge to the Cold War, tracing the evolution of British politics, economics, and rights. The course's exploration of key events, such as the Magna Carta, the English Civil War, and the development of Parliament, provides valuable context for understanding contemporary political debates. The focus on colonialism, freedom of religion, and economic development are also valuable.
Legislative Assistant
Legislative assistants support elected officials by researching policy issues, drafting legislation, and managing constituent communication. This English History Box Set course may be useful for legislative assistants working with British politicians or focusing on policies with historical precedents. The course provides an overview of English history, from Stonehenge to the Cold War, tracing the evolution of British politics, economics, and rights. The course's exploration of key events, such as the Magna Carta and the English Civil War, provides context for understanding the historical roots of British law and governance. The course's coverage touches on the development of Parliament.
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts research and evaluate existing and proposed policies and regulations. This English History Box Set course may be useful for policy analysts who specialize in areas related to British history, politics, or economics. The course provides a broad overview of key periods, figures, and themes in English history, from Stonehenge to the Cold War. Understanding the historical context of policy issues is key to this role. The course explores the growth of British politics, economics, and rights.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in English History Box Set.
Provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of English history, aligning perfectly with the course's objective of providing a broad understanding of the subject. It offers a narrative account of the key events, figures, and themes that have shaped England from pre-Roman times to the present day. It is particularly useful for gaining a solid foundation and contextualizing the specific periods and topics covered in the course. This book is commonly used as a reference text for students and general readers interested in English history.
Offers a detailed and engaging account of the Plantagenet dynasty, a crucial period in English history. It delves into the political intrigues, wars, and social changes that defined the era. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the Plantagenets' impact on English law, culture, and national identity. It serves as valuable additional reading for students seeking a more in-depth exploration of this period.

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