Dynastic politics : five women of the Howard family during the reign of Henry VIII, 1509-1547
This thesis argues for the centrality of the Howard women to their family’s political fortunes by exploring key dynastic episodes, themes, and events of Henry VIII’s reign from a new female perspective. The Howards were England’s premier aristocratic dynasty during this period. However, existing narratives have prioritised the careers of the Howard men, notably the two Dukes of Norfolk and the Earl of Surrey. Here, the family’s women are foregrounded. They are not considered in isolation, but discussed alongside their male relations in order to create a fuller, more complex dynastic picture than currently exists. Themes of rebellion, dynastic identity, matriarchy, patronage, treason and religion are woven through events of familial and national importance, allowing new conclusions to be drawn regarding the Howard women and the Howard narrative itself; the way that aristocratic dynasties operated; the activities of women within the political sphere; and the relationship between this family and the Henrician state. This thesis draws its conclusions from new archival research into the activities of five Howard women: Agnes Tylney (c. 1477-1545) and Elizabeth Stafford (c. 1497-1558), the wives of the 2 nd and 3 rd Dukes of Norfolk respectively; Agnes’ daughters Anne, Countess of Oxford (c. 1498-1558) and Katherine, Countess of Bridgwater (d. 1554); and Elizabeth’s daughter Mary, Duchess of Richmond (c. 1519-1557). These five women cover three generations and two concurrent branches of the Howard family across the entirety of Henry’s reign. The thesis differs from traditional gender studies by focusing on women all from one family rather than those of particular court status or geographical
Women letter-writers in Tudor England
1. Introduction 2. Letters and Letter-Writers 3. The Composition of Letters 4. Female Literacy and the Conventions of Letter-Writing 5. Delivery, Reception, and Reading 6. The Functions of Letter-Writing 7. Social Relations Inscribed in Correspondence: Authority and Affection 8. Marital Correspondence 9. Letters of Petition 10. Conclusion Bibliography Index
A Study on Technology Embedded English Classes Using QR Codes
The development of information and technology has brought plenty of changes to the educational environment. The prevalence of smart phones is particularly playing a huge role in shaping learning methods. Smart phones provide the opportunity to scan QR codes, which can greatly ease access to information. Due to a high recognition speed, recognition rate, and restoration rate, they can be useful tools for English teachers to use in their class. In this study, we suggest using QR codes for writing and picture descriptions. Based on this study, more research should invest in Technology Embedded English teaching models to create better English classes for students.