The course is aimed at introducing students to the main events of the European History from the 15th to the end of the 18th century, and at providing them with methodological instruments which are necessary for a critical analysis of Europe’s political, cultural and economic development in this age.
Course Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
The course consists of 36 hours of lecture delivered with the aid of PowerPoint slides.
Assessment Methods
The assessment will consist of a 90-minute written exam, divided into two parts: Part 1 (30 minutes): a multiple-choice quiz with 30 questions. Each question has three possible answers, and only one is correct. Correct answer: +1 point No answer: 0 points Wrong answer: −0.20 points Part 2 (60 minutes): three open-ended questions, which will assess: a) your ability to organize what you have learned in a clear and coherent way, and to present it with well-supported arguments; b) your ability to place the events and historical processes of the modern period within a broader, well-structured overall framework; c) your ability to compare different historical, political, religious, and cultural factors that led to Europe’s diversity; d) the clarity and effectiveness of your writing, and your use of appropriate specialist terminology. You will pass the exam only if you score 18/30 or above in both parts. The final grade will be calculated as the average, obtained by adding the score from Part 1 to the score from Part 2 (and then averaging the total).
Contents
The course addresses issues of historical methodology, such as sources, periodization, historical interpretation, and it investigates the core themes of modern European history. These include: Europe in the 15th and 16th century; the age of geographical discoveries and early colonialism; Humanism and the Renaissance; the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation; the expansion of the Ottoman Empire and its conflict with the European states; the “crisis” of the 17th century and The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648); the Scientific Revolution; Great Britain in 17th century; the age of Louis XIV; the Battle of Vienna (1683); European balances between the 17th and the 18th century; economy and society in 18th century; the Enlightenment; the Enlightened Despotism and the Age of reforms; the Industrial Revolution; the American Revolution.
Course Language
ITALIAN
More information
To schedule an appointment with the Professor, whether online or in person, you are kindly requested to contact her via email (elisa.bianco@uninsubria.it)
