This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module covers fundamental transformations taking place in European society between c. 1450 and 1750. It focuses specifically on the everyday experiences of early modern Europeans, and how these changed as a result of, amongst others, global expansion, encounters with 'others', religious change, urbanisation and a innovation proliferation of new goods. Through looking at how these transformations affected the micro-level of men and women in their daily lives, this module aims to give insight into the ever-changing lives of Europeans before the onset of ‘modernisation’ in the 19th century. Themes that will be addressed in the lectures and seminars include ethnic and religious diversity, gender, the individual, witchcraft and material culture.
Total contact hours= 30
Total private study hours = 270
Total study hours = 300
Main assessment methods:
Essay 1 (3,000 words) - 24%
Essay 2 (3,000 words) - 24%
Presentation (15-minutes) - 6%
Seminar Participation (ongoing) - 6%
Exam (2 hours) - 40%
Reassessment methods:
100% Coursework
Indicative Reading List:
J. Amelang, The Flight of Icarus: Artisan Autobiography in Early Modern Europe (1998).
J. M. Bennett and A. M. Froide (eds), Singlewomen in the European past, 1250-1800 (Philadelphia PA, 1999).
S.C. Ogilvie, A Bitter Living: Women, markets, and social capital in early modern Germany (2003).
S. Ozment, Ancestors: The Loving Family in Old Europe (2001).
L. Roper, Oedipus and the Devil: Witchcraft, Sexuality and Religion in Early Modern Europe (1994).
U. Rublack, Dressing Up: Cultural Identity in Renaissance Europe (2010).
R. Sarti, Europe at Home - Family and Material Culture 1500- 1800 (2002).
M. Wiesner-Hanks, Early Modern Europe, 1450-1789 (Cambridge, 2006).
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 Demonstrate the knowledge and conceptual tools to understand and interpret major changes taking place in European society between c. 1450 and 1750.
2 Display a knowledge of the most important relevant episodes of the social, cultural and economic history of the period, and some of the historiographical debates surrounding the subject.
3 Demonstrate their ability to discuss the issues that are raised in the module, and to present their work in written and oral form.
4 Demonstrate an enhanced understanding of what life was like for early modern Europeans, and how it changed between the 15th and the 18th century, especially in terms of social, economic, and gender relations.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate enhanced ability to express complex ideas and arguments orally and in writing, skills which can be transferred to other areas of study and employment
2 Demonstrate enhanced communication, presentational skills and information technology skills
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