Presented within the frame of ‘early modern history’ and ‘cultural history’, this course explores early-modern Europe through the three main historiographical categories with which it is usually associated: Renaissance, Reformation, and the Age of Discovery. It investigates the people, events, and ideas that shaped early modern Europe. While roughly adhering to a chronological structure, and focusing on the period 1450–1750, the overall approach will be thematic.
The course introduces students to the foundational themes, methods and skills necessary for the study of upper-level history. With a particular focus on the study of primary sources, including site visits in the city of Rome, it enables students to explore for themselves the characteristics of early modern Europe.
The assessment schedule for this course is set out in stages to allow for the incremental development of core skills in the study of history. It is student-centred and involves short written essays about set primary and secondary readings for the course (with feedback), seminar leadership, site visit leadership, and an examination.