This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module will provide a survey of the major events, themes and historiographical debates in early modern history from the Renaissance, through the Reformation to the Enlightenment. This period in European history witnessed the cultural and social upheaval of religious wars, the advent of print and the intellectual changes associated with Humanism, the formation of recognisably 'modern' nation states, and the beginnings of Europe's troubled engagement with the wider world. We situate Europe within a wider global context, examining how the experience of Europeans compared to that of people around the world.
Total contact hours: 21
Private study hours: 129
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Autumn Term
• Essay (2,000 words) 40%
• Archival Exercise (1,000 words) 40%
• Seminar Participation 20%
Spring Term
• Essay (1,500 words) 20%
• Archival Exercise (500 words) 20%
• Seminar Participation 10%
• Examination 50%
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Understand the political, social and cultural developments in the history of early modern Europe and its relationship to the wider world between c.1450 and 1750.
2 Demonstrate the skills needed to understand, evaluate, contextualise and communicate effectively their knowledge of early modern history.
3 Demonstrate their intellectual interest in the history of early modern Europe and their skills in researching historical subjects and in communicating their knowledge and ideas, using a variety of methods.
4 Understand the essential elements of the disciplines of political, social, economic and cultural history.
5 Examine and evaluate primary sources, whether texts or images, and understand their context, strengths and limitations, and value.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate their problem solving skills and their ability to work both independently and within groups.
2 Engage in independent and group work, using library resources, and will have practised and improved their skills in time management, historical research, organisation and analysis of material, presentations and essay-writing.
3 Communicate complex concepts effectively to a variety of audiences and/or using a variety of methods.
4 Demonstrate their communication skills and skills with IT.
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