Life in Elizabethan England
Time: 12:30 - 14:30
Location: Keeley Street
Course Code: HBH20
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 Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
On this six-week course we will explore how men, women and children lived, worked, played and died in England during the Elizabethan era. Moving away from Elizabeth’s court, our topics will include lifestyles and diet; magic, religion and healing; crime and ritual punishments; the poor laws; and the impact of famine on social stability in the period.
What will we cover?
• Week 1: An overview of the Elizabethan era: class, gender, race & society
• Week 2: ‘Four pints of ale at a meal is three too many:’ diet, health and sanitation
• Week 3: Religion, witchcraft, healing & magic
• Week 4: Crime & punishment
• Week 5: Famine, rioting & rebellion in the 1590s
• Week 6: Poverty, vagrancy & the Elizabethan Poor Laws.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Explain how concepts of gender, class & race affected social status in Elizabethan
• England
• Assess the impact of diet, health & sanitation on the lives of Elizabethans
• Evaluate how corporeal & capital punishments affected society at a local and national level
• Evaluate the impact of food shortages on social stability in the period
• Explain era-based concepts of the ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ poor
• Assess the significance of the Elizabethan Poor Laws.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course and no prior knowledge of the topic is necessary – an open mind and a willingness to constructively engage in discussions is all that is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through interactive class-based discussions and debates. You will be provided with access to Google Classroom, where you can find reading resources and a book reading list.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Please bring a pen and notepad to class if you wish to make notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Ellen's next course on early modern England is HBH44 Oliver Cromwell and Ireland. There are also other courses in British history. Please see the City Lit website.
