Course Resources Archive

This module explores the history of Europe and the British Isles, 1450-1800. The module introduces students to both early modern and modern historical periods.  In the first semester, students consider important early modern events, cultures and movements during the Renaissance and Reformations, exploring challenges to the medieval world and Catholic Church, and the development of new ideas, new learning and contested beliefs.  Students will examine how society, culture and politics changed during the early modern period.

During the second semester, students focus more closely on the formation of Britain as a constituted state and nation.  Students examine the political, socio-cultural and economic transitions to the modern nation-state. Students will gain an understanding of the forces of change; chart continuities and transformations across the long eighteenth century; and assess the extent to which British stability dealt with the strains of modernization and consolidation.

The module will cover topics essential to the understanding of early modern and modern European and British history.  The first semester will cover foundational topics, including; the Italian and the northern Renaissance; the Protestant and Catholic Reformations; the lives of reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin; the importance of textual culture and the increasingly significant role of the written word; ‘popular’ and ‘learned’ culture; family life, kinship and lifecycle events; and early modern warfare and statecraft.

During the second semester, students will move on to explore the processes of modernization and consolidation within the British Isles in the eighteenth century. Exploring the shifting balance of power between King and parliament in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution students may study the following topics: the emergence of popular politics; the Enlightenment and continued growth of print culture; and insurrectionary activity in the aftermath of the French Revolution. Against the backdrop of political upheaval and disturbances, students will also continue their study of key themes including gender, sex and sexuality and the family. The module ends with a consideration of how Britain came to dominate Europe and the rest of the world.

A student passing this module should be able to show:

1. An understanding of the drivers and impacts of political, economic and socio-cultural change in Europe and the British Isles between 1450 and 1800.
2. Knowledge of key themes in the history of Europe and the British Isles between 1450 and 1800 including gender, sexuality, popular and learned culture, family life and warfare.
3. An understanding of short and long-term consequences of the  Renaissance and Reformation
4. An awareness of the challenges faced by the British Isles in the process of modernization and consolidation.
5. An ability to analyze and interpret a range of primary and secondary source materials.
6. An ability to communicate clearly in written and oral form.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.