HIS 338-01 - Revolutions n Early Modern Europe

4 credits (Spring)

Neither medieval nor modern, but nestled between the two, “early modern Europe” (c.1500-1750) offers scholars a chance to think about how revolutionary change can, ironically, take place over decades or centuries; how transformative developments can spread in piecemeal, even contradictory, fashion; or how accounts of sweeping progress can sit alongside accounts of deep continuity (i.e. the long durée). This seminar will introduce students to some foundational works in the field of early modern European history, with a particular eye towards some of these “revolutionary” that have attracted intense scholarly debate, such as the scientific revolution, colonial expansion and global entanglements, commercial transformations, the print revolution, environmental and climatic change, the emergence of centralizing states, and profound changes in family structure and demography. In the second half of the semester, students will write in-depth research papers on some aspect of early modern European history.

Prerequisite: HIS 100 and either HIS 232, HIS 233, HIS 234, HIS 235, HIS 236, HIS 237, HIS 265, HIS 281, or HIS 283; with grades S, C, or better.
Instructor: Guenther