UNSW Handbook Course - The Emergence of Modern Europe (B)

The Emergence of Modern Europe (B) - HIST1012


	Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
	School: School of History and Philosophy
	Course Outline: See below
	Campus: Kensington Campus
	Career: Undergraduate
	Units of Credit: 6
	EFTSL: 0.125 (more info)
	Contact Hours per Week: 3
	Fee Band: 1 (more info)
	Further Information: See Class Timetable

Description

Investigates major themes in the history of early modern Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. Topics may include the consolidation of 'absolute' monarchies, the intellectual challenges of the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, the emergence of a more literate and secular society, the lives and beliefs of 'ordinary people', and the prospects for reform of the 'Old Regime' in the late 18th century.

Learning Outcomes

Through completion of this course and the assessment tasks that form a part of it, students will be able:

To understand better the historical background that shaped such major political institutions as the state and the extent to which it has evolved and will continue to evolve in response to changing circumstances
To reflect on the development of the major sets of ideas associated with the 'Enlightenment project' and the tensions and conflicts that such a mentality generated and continues to generate
To understand the origins of ideas of hierarchy and social inequality and the way in which these have been both strengthened and challenged historically
To employ the techniques required to interrogate a variety of source materials to explain the problems and advantages of working with each, and to describe their role in the process of historical explanation (By so doing the course will promote the skills required to locate, evaluate and use relevant information)
To distinguish narrative from interpretation, and to demonstrate the function of each (Linked to this will be the promotion of a greater independence of judgement in dealing with conflicting interpretations on major issues and the ability to engage in independent and reflective learning)
To demonstrate critical and analytical skills in the handling of both primary and secondary sources, and of deploying such sources to sustain clear and valid arguments both in writing and in discussion.

Assessment

Tutorial presentation - 15%
Document exercise (500 words) - 15%
Tutorial participation - 10%
Session essay (2000 words) - 40%
End of session test - 20%

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