This module will provide a survey of the major events, themes, and historiographical debates in early modern history (c. 1450-1750). It considers the turbulent relationship between the English crown and aristocracy which led to the Wars of the Roses, the mid-Tudor rebellions and Civil War in the 1640s. During this time in Europe and the wider world, major social, cultural and religious changes included the Renaissance, the advent of print, the Reformations, the rise of empires, the Enlightenment and an explosion of commodities and trade. Influencing these dramatic events were the new encounters between civilisations spurred on by trade, empire and the spread of Christianity. In everyday life, these transformations led to new ways of thinking about gender, the body, and social hierarchies. Through a wide variety of texts, images and objects we will trace the refiguring of the world from medieval kingdoms to global empires and ask whether this really was the beginning of 'modernity'.
Private Study: 260
Contact Hours: 40
Total: 300
Main assessment methods
Written Assignment 1 Plan (250 words) – 5%
Written Assignment 1 (1,500 words) – 25%
Short Exercise (750 words or equivalent) – 15%
Written Assignment 2 (1,500 words) – 25%
Group Thematic Project (2,000 words or equivalent) – 30%
Reassessment methods
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
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, research, evaluate, contextualise and communicate effectively their knowledge of early modern history using a variety of methods.
3 Demonstrate a knowledge of some of the historiographical debates surrounding the subject and be well positioned to judge between competing interpretations of this era.
4 Formulate their own opinions and martial an argument through critical engagement with a range of primary and secondary materials.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Express ideas and arguments effectively using a variety of methods, which can be transferred to other areas of study and employment.
2 Demonstrate a variety of communication/presentational skills and IT skills.
3 Demonstrate their problem solving skills and their ability to work both independently (e.g. private study) and within groups (e.g. seminar work and discussions)
4 Engage in independent work, using library resources, and will have practiced and improved their skills in time management, historical research, organisation and analysis of material, and communication.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
