Gloriana: The Reign of Elizabeth I

Class Description

Celebrated as “Gloriana” and recognized as among the greatest of British monarchs, Elizabeth I remains fascinating for the dramatic events of her lifetime, including the execution of her mother, Anne Boleyn, as well as England’s rise as a European power and the cultural efflorescence during her reign. This seminar will treat such topics as the complicated legacy of her father, Henry VIII; difficulties faced by female rulers in her era; and the personal and political dilemma posed by her cousin, Mary of Scotland.

Frank Biletz received his PhD in History from the University of Chicago, with a primary specialization in modern British and Irish history, and secondary fields in modern German and Spanish history. He is currently Adjunct Instructor in History at Loyola University Chicago and has been teaching seminars at the Newberry since 1994.

Materials List

Required

• Susan Doran, Elizabeth I and Her Circle. Oxford University Press, 2018. ISBN: 978-0198816577

Recommended

• Clark Hulse, Elizabeth I: Ruler and Legend. University of Illinois Press, 2003. ISBN: 978-0252071614 (Please Note: We are unable to stock this book, but copies are available at the Chicago Public Library.)

First Reading

• For the first class meeting, participants should read the introduction and chapter 1 of the Susan Doran book.

A Brief Syllabus

1. The Legacy of Henry VIII
2. The Young Elizabeth & The Virgin Queen
3. Government and the Elizabethan Compromise in Religion
4. Elizabethan London and a Cultural Renaissance
5. The Tudor Empire
6. Elizabeth and Mary of Scotland
7. The Problem of Succession

Cost and Registration

7 Sessions, $280 ($252 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.

We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($280), Community Supported ($265), and Sponsor ($295). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.

To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.

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