HIS 504SEM - Early Mod Europe Core

The ¿Early Modern Core¿ satisfies requirements in the graduate program in History as well as programs in other departments and for students in the UBTeach program. My aim is that students will increase their knowledge of particular historical events or developments in Europe between c. 1450 and 1800. I also hope that students will develop a stronger understanding of elements of the historical profession, including by studying the writing of history (historiography) and the ways in which fields, approaches, and arguments have changed over time among scholars and for all students of history. Although the course is not a research seminar, meaning the purpose is not to conduct primary source research on a particular topic, we will discuss how historians conduct research and analyze the persuasiveness of evidence and the effectiveness of their arguments. The Core is not a complete survey of the period, but seeks to build on students¿ foundation of historical knowledge and to sharpen historical thinking. The Core should enable students to begin planning research projects and engage in historiographical debates, or to envision guiding other students through historical analysis and research. A running theme this semester is the importance of and foundations for challenging paradigms and assumptions. We may be evaluating familiar events in new ways and developing new perspectives and arguments.

Credits: 3