England's political history is a laboratory for experiments on the limits of political power. From the arrival of William the Conqueror, the English have tried to control the power of their kings. In so doing, they have provided valuable information about the conditions necessary to protect individual liberty. This course, the first in a series of courses, traces the early results of the English attempts to rein in their monarchs.

This course begins with an overview of the state of England in 1066, including the significance of its geographic isolation, and the legacies of the Roman and Anglo-Saxon invasions. It will identify the significant and distinctive reforms instituted by William (and his heirs), the changing nature of feudal society, and introduce the important dynastic disputes, the conflict between Church and state, and the origins of the feud between England and France. It will culminate with an examination of the Magna Carta.

Part 2 was delivered at OCON 2006, Part 3 was delivered at OCON 2007, Part 4 was delivered at OCON 2012, and Part 5 was delivered at OCON 2013