Dr. Richard R. Heiser

HIST 374 – EARLY MODERN EUROPE

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Philip II of Spain.

Martin Luther

Galileo Galilei

Philip II of Spain

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

READINGS:

Primary Text:

Cameron, Early Modern Europe.

Clendinnen, Ambivalent Conquests.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1.      Tests: A midterm and final exam will be administered during the semester on the dates noted below. Tests will be written exams, and a study guide will be provided prior to the exams.

2.   Written Assignments: Three written assignments, as described below, will be submitted over the course of the semester. Students are advised to read and follow the instructions found in Writing History Research Papers.  Each assignment is to be typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, and 1" margins.  Significant consideration will be given to those demonstrating improved writing skills over the course of the semester.  Due dates are listed below.   

a.   For the first paper, the students are to read Luther's '95 Theses', his work 'The Freedom of a Christian', and the papal bull 'Exsurge domini'.  From these primary sources, the student is to determine what Luther's principle complaints were and how they were interrelated.  How did the papacy respond to Luther, and what does that response reveal concerning the pope's fears and why the church considered Luther a threat?  How has reading these primary sources altered how you understand the early Reformation? 

b.   For the second paper, the students are to read chapter 1 of Biagioli's Galileo, Courtier, which is on 1-hour reserve in the library.  After reading these pages, identify the author's main argument and discuss questions such as, How did research and life experiences effect the pursuit of knowledge for this scientific revolutionary?  What limitations and freedoms did Galileo face?  What does this say about science, objectivity, truth? 

c.   For the third paper, the students are to read Clendinnen's Ambivalent Conquests on the interaction of Mayan and Spaniard in the Yucatan during a crisis arising over an alleged human sacrifice.  What does this book suggest about the interface between cultures and peoples?  What does this say about the colonial experience of the 16th century?  Who are the villains and the heroes and what makes them such?  Can larger principles about human activity or humanity in general be extracted from this account?

3.   Oral Presentation: During the semester on a date listed below, each student will give an oral presentation that studies a significant personality of either the Age of Exploration and Colonization or the Scientific Revolution. The oral presentation should last about 20 minutes allowing for time at the end for questions from the class. The objective is to create a class lecture and teach the class about your topic. The use of technology such as PowerPoint is expected. Two days prior to the presentation, you are to meet with me to ‘rehearse’ the presentation and submit a useful, informative outline complete with an annotated bibliography, consisting of at least ten written sources. Each annotation is to describe how that particular source contributed to your oral presentation. For the presentation the student will create a brief outline and list of further readings, for minimum of twelve, for the class to have and follow along.  The oral presentation will count for 25% of the final grade and be based on organization, creativity, clarity of presentation, persuasiveness, and fulfillment of the assignment. Students will be expected to choose their topics within the first two weeks of the semester. Due to the nature of this assignment, little-to-no provision will be made for lateness.

4.   The student's three best grades from the papers and tests will be combined with the oral presentation grade to determine the final mark in the course.

COURSE POLICIES: Here you will find the attendance policy, make-up exam policy, office hours, etc.

GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE:

I. Background: Northern European Renaissance

II. The Reformation

A. Lutheran Tradition
B. Reformed Tradition
C. Catholic Reformation
D. Religious Wars

III. The World Enlarged

  A. Exploration and Colonization

  B. The Scientific Revolution

IV. The Habsburg and French Monarchies

A. Charles V and Philip II
B. Richelieu and Louis XIV

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Additional reading in areas or aspects of history that interest you is an excellent way to expand your knowledge. The main text has suggested reading lists that I would recommend. Should you desire more books and articles on a particular topic than listed there, see me and visit the library.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

PURSUE EXCELLENCE!

Excellence is Sorriness Leaving Your Life!

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