Themes in Early Modern History
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| HIST1008 | History | 1 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- HIST1008
- School
- History
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module introduces students to the major developments in early modern European history, which resulted from social, economic, political and cultural changes that took place between c.1500 and 1800. Students will examine a range of themes.
Target Students
Only available to Exchange (mobility) students at Nottingham for the Spring Semester, 1st-year History students transferring degree programme during the Session and subsidiary students. Students cannot take both HIST1007 and HIST1008. Students wishing to study both should instead enrol on the full-year version, HIST1006.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: One 2,000 word essay
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module provides students with the broad historical framework necessary to interpret some of the major social, political, economic and cultural trends that characterise European history from c.1500 to 1800. This crucially important period witnessed Europe split by the religious differences of the Reformation, shaken by local rebellions and uprisings, transformed by the discovery of the ‘New World’, and affected by destructive and costly wars that spread across the continent. How did these forces of change interact in the period and what did this mean for the nascent European nation-states and the people of Europe? These issues will be addressed thematically, through comparing the experience of different countries. Throughout, students will be encouraged to deal critically with broader historiographical debates on these issues.Learning Outcomes
a. Knowledge and understanding. By the end of the module students should be able to:
● identify and analyse the overarching themes in the social and cultural history of Europe in the years c.1500-1800
● show an awareness of the factors affecting the lives of people who lived at this period
● evaluate the forces of continuity and change at work within the period
● show an awareness of the variety of perspectives in the discipline, notably those of economic, political, social and cultural history
b. Intellectual skills. By the end of this module students should be able to:
● think critically and imaginatively about the subject matter
● identify and address key problems relevant to it
● be aware of differing historical interpretations of the subject matter
● read secondary sources critically
● construct coherent and independent historical arguments of their own
c. Professional/practical skills. This module will develop students' ability to:
● select, sift and synthesise information from a range of secondary and selected primary sources
● identify and compare key arguments in those materials
● demonstrate appropriate bibliographical and referencing skills
● use the IT resources effectively to assess information
d. Transferable skills. This module will also help students to:
● manage a large and disparate body of information
● communicate arguments and ideas effectively in speech and writing
● express themselves clearly, coherently and fluently in written work
● work and learn actively with others
● manage and take responsibility for their own studies
● demonstrate appropriate IT skills in seminars and the presentation of coursework.
Conveners
- Dr Adolfo Polo Y la borda ramos