We asked ChatGPT to create a curriculum for an undergraduate course in Wessex Studies, a long-standing aim of the Society. The result is not a bad start, considering that it was created by an AI engine, but a little heavy on the Anglo-Saxon period, with almost nothing on Roman or prehistoric Wessex (though these might conceivably be covered under “landscape”). Also, it appears to be based on a US model, where bachelor’s degree courses typically take four years rather than three. We would hope that a course created by actual human academics would correct these errors. Anyway, over to you, robot:
Bidibidibidi…
First Year:
- Introduction to Wessex: History, Geography, and Culture
- Old English Language and Literature
- Anglo-Saxon History and Archaeology
Second Year:
- Medieval Wessex: Society and Politics
- The Literature of Medieval Wessex
- The Vikings and Wessex
Third Year:
- The Norman Conquest and its Impact on Wessex
- Early Modern Wessex: Society and Economy
- The Wessex Landscape: History and Heritage
Fourth Year:
- Research Methods in Wessex Studies
- Thesis Preparation
- Elective Courses (e.g. Modern Wessex, Wessex Folklore and Folklife, Wessex and the Industrial Revolution)
Note : Wessex is a region in the south of England and is most famous for being the kingdom of the Anglo-Saxon King Alfred the Great. The curriculum focuses on the history, culture, and literature of Wessex, starting with the Anglo-Saxon period and continuing through to the present day.