First Year Module
Module Leader: Dr Laura Ishiguro
Rationale and Content:
Between 1500 and 1789 Europeans experienced profound changes to their mental universe. This introductory module will survey some of the key processes and events that fundamentally changed European society during this period, which is often seen as a watershed between the medieval and modern worlds. This extraordinary era witnessed the reshaping of the political map of Europe and the creation of new political, social, religious and cultural identities. It saw the end of the notion of Christendom and the rise of the concept of Europe and European identity. Students will be introduced to, and will be asked to consider, the extent to which the period was one of crises and transformation by examining movements which divided Christianity, countries and families, such as the Reformation, the witch hunts, the founding of new worlds beyond the seas, the religious wars, the rise of royal absolutism and its alternatives. Finally, students will become familiar with movements such as the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, influences of which extend into the twenty-first century.
The module will explore themes in the history of Europe's early modern period, beginning with 1500 and continuing through to the eve of the French Revolution by following a chronological and thematic pattern. The focus will be on political, religious, social and cultural change, but with recognition of strands of continuity. There will be particular reference to France, the Holy Roman Empire, Russia, and Italy.
Learning and Teaching Strategies:
This module will be delivered through weekly lectures and seminars plus tutorial support. Where appropriate supporting resources will also be made available online. Seminar sessions will be designed to encourage student participation and will support students in strengthening their skills of presentation, discussion,argument and debate,and in evaluating,interpreting and using secondary and primary sources.
Assessment:
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Module
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Mode
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Weighting %
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Length
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Submission date
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Early Modern Europe 1500-1789
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Document commentary
Book Review
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40
60
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1,500 words
2,000 words
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Week 8
Week 12
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Recommended introductory reading:
* B. Kümin, (ed.), The European World 1500-1800: An Introduction to Early Modern History, (2009).
E. Cameron, (ed)., Early Modern Europe: An Oxford History, (1999).
M.E. Wiesner -Hanks, Early Modern Europe, 1450-1789, (2006).
Further Reading:
P. Burke, Popular Culture in Early Modern Europe, (1978, 2009).
J.B. Collins and K. Taylor, Early Modern Europe: Issues and Interpretations, (2006).
C. Cook, and P. Broadhead, The Routledge Companion to Early Modern Europe, 1453-1763, (2006).
H. Kamen, Early Modern European Society, (2000).
H.G. Koenigsberger , Early Modern Europe, 1500-1789, (1987).
J. Merriman , A History of Modern Europe, Vol. I: From the Renaissance to the Age of Napoleon, (1996).
E. Rice and A. Grafton, The Foundation of Early Modern Europe, 1460-1555, (rev. 1994).