Course Description

Instructor: Michael McDavid, BA, MA European History, MA Library Science

Since the Middle Ages, most European monarchs have been men. There were, however, a number of women who became their nation’s sovereign for a variety of circumstances, mostly the lack of a legitimate male successor. In this course, we will examine the lives and reigns of eight female rulers from the medieval period through the 20th century. For each sovereign, we will examine their personal lives, the events of their reigns, and the impact they made on their place and time. Monarchs surveyed will include Isabella I of Spain, Mary Queen of Scots, Elizabeth of Russia, and Maria Theresa of Austria.

Michael’s special areas of interest are 19th-century Europe and the role of monarchy as a political and social institution.