Introductory description

This is a core module for the Early Modern History MA degree. It addresses key themes and historiographies, drawing on the expertise of a wide range of the early modernists at Warwick. Each session will be led by a different expert, ensuring that students are exposed to as many different viewpoints and approaches as possible. The module will cover the period c.1450-c.1800, and although much of it will focus on Britain and European countries it will also seek to place them in their wider global and colonial context.The module will help to prepare students for term 2 modules, which take a more thematic approach.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Week 1: Introduction
Week 2: The State Government and Politics
Week 3: Global Trade and Empire
Week 4: Cultural Turns
Week 5: The Law
Week 6: Reading week
Week 7: The Reformations and Religious Change
Week 8: The Public Sphere and Communicative Practices
Week 9: Gender and Sexuality
Week 10: Conceptualising Early Modernity: A Recapitulation

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a conceptual and practical understanding of the skills of an historian of the early modern era.
• Demonstrate the ability to formulate and achieve a piece of critical and reflective historiographical writing.
• Demonstrate the ability to undertake critical analysis.
• Demonstrate the ability to formulate and test concepts and hypotheses.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

See learning outcomes.

Transferable skills

See learning outcomes.