HIST 3037 - Early Modern Europe

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries are often claimed by historians to represent the transition between the medieval and modern worlds. The aim of this course is to examine this notion that the early modern era witnessed the rise of modernity. It will do so by discussing the 'key' transformations, including the Black Death, Renaissance, Reformation and Scientific Revolution, but also those aspects of the period which do not seem that modern, like the witch hunts. Through lectures, tutorials and a particular emphasis on primary documents, students will be challenged to consider just what constitutes 'modern' and 'medieval' thought and practice. Moreover, the notion of 'great events' in history and how aptly labels like 'renaissance' periodize our study of the past will be considered. In addition, through a-v material, art and extracts from their writings, the images, sounds and words of da Vinci, Luther, Copernicus and the witches will bring this fascinating period of history alive.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code HIST 3037
    Course Early Modern Europe
    Coordinating Unit Historical and Classical Studies
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites At least 6 units of Level II undergraduate study
    Incompatible HIST 2063
    Course Description The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries are often claimed by historians to represent the transition between the medieval and modern worlds. The aim of this course is to examine this notion that the early modern era witnessed the rise of modernity. It will do so by discussing the 'key' transformations, including the Black Death, Renaissance, Reformation and Scientific Revolution, but also those aspects of the period which do not seem that modern, like the witch hunts. Through lectures, tutorials and a particular emphasis on primary documents, students will be challenged to consider just what constitutes 'modern' and 'medieval' thought and practice. Moreover, the notion of 'great events' in history and how aptly labels like 'renaissance' periodize our study of the past will be considered. In addition, through a-v material, art and extracts from their writings, the images, sounds and words of da Vinci, Luther, Copernicus and the witches will bring this fascinating period of history alive.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Claire Walker

    This course is taught by:

    Dr Claire Walker
    e-mail: claire.i.walker@adelaide.edu.au
    phone: 831 35159
    office: Napier 312
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    Students will be able to demonstrate: 

    1. a broad knowledge of the history of early modern Europe and the ways in which historians have interpreted and explained this history.

    2. identify and use effectively a wide variety of secondary sources relevant to the study of early modern European history, and in particular to understand and critically to evaluate the arguments of historians.

    3. contextualise and interpret a wide variety of primary sources, including early modern texts, images and physical artefacts.

    4. construct evidence-based arguments in which students engage with the key debates about the nature of early modern European history.

    5. communicate their own ideas about the history of early modern Europe - both orally and in writing - in a manner that is clear and persuasive.

    6. access and use effectively the range of relevant primary and secondary sources on early modern European history that are available on-line.

    7. develop and communicate their ideas about the history of early modern Europe within the scholarly conventions of the discipline of history.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2, 3

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    4, 7

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    3, 5, 6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    5, 6, 7

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Primary and secondary sources for each tutorial discussion will be available on MyUni at the start of the course.
    Recommended Resources

    Kümin, Beat, ed. The European World 1500-1800: An Introduction to Early Modern History. 4th edn. Abingdon & New York: Routledge, 2023. 

    It’s not essential to purchase this book but it’s HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. The text offers a useful guide for orientation & background reading, and weekly tutorial further reading includes excerpts.
    Online Learning

    The course has a website, accessible through Canvas. Please consult it regularly for updates, lecture notes, additional resources.

    The University has access to a number of academic journals that have full text articles available online. Use Academic OneFile , Academic Search Premier , Project Muse and JSTOR databases (on the Library’s catalogue) to locate articles in these journals.

    Librarians at the Barr-Smith library have also compiled a very useful guide to sources for medieval and early modern history. This can be accessed online at:
    https://libguides.adelaide.edu.au/c.php?g=917598&p=6626896
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Face-to-face teaching on campus consisting of a one-hour lecture and a two-hour tutorial per week. Lectures and Tutorials begin in Week 1 of semester.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Students will need to devote approximately 12 hours per week to this course (divided over 12 weeks of study). This consists of 1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 2 hour tutorial per week, and 9 hours per week of independent study, during which time students will prepare for tutorials and work on assignments.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Topics covered during the semester may include: Consequences of the Black Death, Renaissance, New World Discoveries, Reformations, Scientific Revolution, Marriage and the Family, Political Systems, Martin Guerre and Identity Theft, Witchcraft.

    Specific Course Requirements
    Participation in tutorials is a compulsory component of the course. Please inform your tutor prior to the tutorial if you are unable to attend. It may be possible to ‘make-up’ a tutorial at another time.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    The assessment tasks are:

    1. Tutorial Quizzes (10%)
    2. Research Essay (40%)
    3. Take-Home Class Test (30%)
    4. Research Challenge (20%)

    Assessment Related Requirements
    Participation in tutorials is a compulsory component of the course. Please inform your tutor prior to the tutorial if you are unable to attend. It may be possible to ‘make-up’ a tutorial at another time.
    Assessment Detail
    The tutorial quizzes will be based upon tutorial reading and materials.

    The research essay (3,000 words) will answer one of the essay questions to be located on MyUni, and students will be assessed on their research skills, ability to analyse primary and secondary sources, and how they employ the knowledge from these sources in a coherent and well-written response to the question. At 3000 level, students are expected to make good use of primary sources amd historical debate about the topic to support their argument.

    The research challenge brings together the skills of each member of the group to evaluate a selected primary source in the form of a class powerpoint presentation.

    The take-home exam requires two short answers. One will relate to a topic covered during the semester and the other will ask students to consider one of the broader themes considered during the course.


    Submission
    Online Submission of Assignments (e-submission) via MyUni.

    Assignments are due before 11:59 pm. They are submitted in electronic format.

    Extensions
    Students wishing to apply for an extension need to submit the relevant form available at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/mod_arrange.html to the faculty office prior to the due date for the assignment.

    Exceptions to the Policy
    If one of the following criteria is met, an informal extension can be organised with the course coordinator or tutor:
    · assessment item is worth 20% or less;
    · student is registered with the Disability Office (need to attach a Access Plan).
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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