Fantastic Beasts in Medieval Heraldry
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
- Course Code: HBH106
- Dates: 01/11/24 - 06/12/24
- Time: 15:00 - 17:00
- Taught: Fri, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Vanessa King
Course Code: HBH106
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The design of English royal badges of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries; and the attributes attributed to arrange of animals both real and mythical.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
We begin with a brief history of the rise of heraldry and the use of bestiaries. Why were certain animals and birds used in the design of heraldic badges? We identify badges used by the later Plantagenet and Yorkist royals and for what purpose.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Name at least three sources we use to identify personal heraldic emblems
• Describe the characteristics attributed to a range of animals and birds used in heraldry such as the swan, panther, dragon and leopard
• Identify the royal badges of the later Plantagenet and Yorkist monarchs.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge is required. However, a good standard of reading, writing and speaking English is essential.
An open mind and a willingness to engage respectfully in class discussion and debate.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
PowerPoint will be used to illustrate key points and then we will be reading and discussing contemporary sources (in translation). You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment. There will be occasional homework reading provided but it is not obligatory.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no other expenses other than note-taking materials. You are not expected to purchase any reading
material. All essential reading will be available online in Google Classroom and distributed in class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HEH111 Outcasts and Minority Groups in the Middle Ages
HBH83 A Social History of England in 12 Objects: From the Tudors to the Victorians.
Vanessa King is a reitred university lecturer in Medieval and early Modern History. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and Honorary Fellow of Birkbeck College University of London. At City Lit, Vanessa offers courses and day schools on London, European, and Global Encounters in the Far East. She has published widely on the Anglo-Norman period (1066-1154), and is currently writing a book on Early English Queenship 600-1066 for Routledge. You can follow her progress via her website: https://queenshipinpreconquestengland.wordpress.com/ Vanessa’s expertise in medieval matters means she is frequently called upon to give public lectures and speak on BBC Radio. Vanessa's philosophy of teaching is to make history come alive through informative presentations with a good sense of humour. In her spare time, she enjoys nothing better than talking history over a glass of red wine!
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
