Conflict and Coexistence in Early Modern Europe
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| HIST4064 | History | 4 | 40 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- HIST4064
- School
- History
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 40
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module uses the theme of conflict and coexistence to examine a range of topics across a wide European geography and early modern chronology. By studying comparative frameworks (e.g. England and France), case studies (e.g. The Thirty Years’ War), and broader international environments, students will encounter conflict in multiple forms – political, religious, military, ideological, mercantile, and public. The avoidance of conflict and coexistence are also central to this module, for peoples and governments of the period often looked to peaceful resolutions and solidarity at the same time as they sharpened their wits (and swords) for polemical (and political) combat.
Target Students
Available to all MA History students
Classes
- Two 2-hour seminars each week for 10 weeks
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: 1 x poster presentation (40%)
- 60% Coursework 2: 1 x 5000 word essay
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To explore the ideas and practicalities of conflict and coexistence from the late medieval period, when much of Europe started to become more recognisable in a modern sense, to the early nineteenth century, when the nature and practicalities of conflict and coexistence changed in the wake of the French Revolution. In addition to students’ recognition of chronological developments and the varied forms of conflict and coexistence, their appreciation of contingent factors across Western and Central Europe is another primary aim. Students will be exposed to, and encouraged to use, primary sources and research opportunities in local archives.Learning Outcomes
a. Knowledge and understanding. By the end of the module students should be able to:
• think critically and imaginatively about the history of conflict and coexistence in the early modern period, along with an understanding of their social, religious and intellectual contexts;
• be aware of the principal elements of ideological and practical conflict in different forms; in general, appreciate varying patterns of international warfare and interpersonal conflict across early modern Europe;
• assess and evaluate competing historical interpretations of conflict and coexistence found in literature, and then form independent judgements based on the evidence acquired in the process of learning;
• be able critically to analyse primary sources (both in the original early-modern English and in modern translations);
• take responsibility for own learning, while working as part of a team when appropriate;
• communicate thoughts in an articulate and concise manner orally and in writing, while demonstrating essential footnoting and bibliographical skills in line with the conventions adopted by the Department of History.