Introduction to Modern European History (10 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None.

Content of Course

1. Introduction: the making of modern Europe.

2. The long road to the reformation.

3. The evolution of the reformation.

4. 30 years war and Europe after the peace of Westphalia.

5. The making of absolutism.

6. Colonial empires.

7. The French revolution and the Napoleonic wars.

8. The industrial revolution.

9. The rise of Nationalism.

10. The making of modern Europe.

Teaching method(s)

The course will include lectures, seminar discussion, practical exercises and one-to-one discussion of the course and formative assessment to feedforward to the final assessment. Students will be introduced to a range of contemporary sources which will be discussed in class. The main themes from the historical literature will be drawn out, enabling students to develop their critical analysis skills.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate, by way of coursework as required, an ability to evaluate, critically discuss and interpret primary sources;

• Demonstrate, by way of coursework as required, an ability to discuss and make use of conflicting historical arguments;

• Demonstrate, by way of coursework as required, an understanding of the political development of modern Europe including state formation and relationships between states.

Sources

Core Readings

Essential:

• Cameron, E., ed., 2001. Early Modern Europe: an Oxford history. Oxford: OUP.

• Gildea, R., 1987. Barricades and Borders: Europe 1800-1914. Oxford: OUP.

• Hobsbawn, E. J., 1973. The Age of Revolution: Europe, 1789-1848. London: Cardinal.

• Marshall, P., 2009. The Reformation: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: OUP.

• Munck T., 1989. Seventeenth Century Europe: state conflict and the social order in Europe, 1598-1700. Basingstoke: Palgrave.

Assessments

10 credit courses have one assessment. Normally, the assessment is a 2000 word essay, worth 100% of the total mark, submitted by week 12. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 40%. There are a small number of exceptions to this model which are identified in the Studying for Credit Guide.

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.