Expand+Academic Year 2021/2022
This module offers a sweeping introduction to some of the momentous changes which have taken place in Europe over the past five hundred years. It explores some of the major landmarks in Europe's social, political, and economi...

Hide-Academic Year 2021/2022
This module offers a sweeping introduction to some of the momentous changes which have taken place in Europe over the past five hundred years. It explores some of the major landmarks in Europe's social, political, and economic development: the development of European Empires, religious change, witchcraft, the industrial revolution, democratic change, war in the modern world, the Cold War and socio-cultural change since 1945. There will be one lecture every week which will introduce students to these themes, but the heart of the course lies in the seminars. Here, students will be encouraged to challenge interpretations of the past, to debate ideas and to draw on primary evidence..

Learning Outcomes:
1) To introduce students to the study of history at university level. Students will develop an appreciation for the difference in studying history at school level and at third-level.

2) To develop confidence in handling a range of primary source material; to analyse documents and set them within their broader historical context; to use documents intelligently in both seminar discussion and essays.

3) To gain an introductory awareness of the practice of history writing, with emphasis on different approaches, debates and controversies. You will also begin to reflect on the influences which have shaped these approaches.

4) To gain an awareness of some of the most important themes in early modern and late modern European history.

5) To develop confidence in debating issues in seminars, and in delivering presentations.

6) To hone essay-writing skills.

Indicative Module Content:
Introduction
Reformation
New Worlds
Witchcraft
The Rise of Democracy
European Imperialism
War in the Modern World
Cold War
End of Empires