The World 'Made New': European 'Reformations' and the ReConstruction of Identity

CH2002Z

The period of the European ‘Reformation/s’ is a highly conflicted space in European church history. In his introduction to the topic, Peter Marshall asks “was it a force for progress, liberty, and modernity, or for conflict, division, and repression? Is it history’s premier example of religion’s ability to inspire selfless idealism and beneficent social change, or a cautionary tale of fanaticism and intolerance in the name of faith?”

This unit will explore the myths and conflicted narratives of the Church in early modern Europe as it splintered and re-formed into denominational and national identities. The unit will investigate the religious upheavals of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in the context of the philosophical, political, social, and economic changes. It will explore religious fracturing in the context of the way in which political and social structures shifted, economic change accelerated, and the concept of the world itself was ‘made new’ through the rise of national and confessional identities. This unit will therefore give students a richer and deeper understanding of the many ‘reformations’ which shaped the post-Reformation world and set the scene for the revolutions of the next three centuries.

Duration

One Semester

Availability

Second semester

CREDIt Points

18 points / EFTSL 0.125

Core/Elective

Elective

Delivery Mode

Mixed Mode - onsite or online

Prerequisites

Eight foundational units including the first year capstone to be completed prior to enrolment . For exemptions, please contact the Registrar.

Should you want information about the readings for this unit, please contact your lecturer. Otherwise, all readings will be available through the unit ARK site two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.

Prescribed Texts

Assessments

  1. Seminar or Tutorial - Participation. Weighting 10%

    Students must make substantive contributions based on the readings in at least 10 classes (or in the forum) in order to receive 10 marks.

  2. Oral Presentation. Weighting 20%

    7-10 minute presentation followed by a discussion.

  3. Written Examination - Short Exam. Weighting 25%

    Short answer questions.

  4. Essay. Weighting 45%

    Essay on a topic from the list provided – or the student may develop their own topic in consultation with the lecturer.

TEACHING & LEARNING PLAN

This subject will involve:

  • One on-campus 2 hour lecture per week

  • One on-campus 1 hour tutorial per week

  • Online preparation & reading 2.5 hours per week

Learning Outcomes

Students completing this unit will:  

  • Discuss the historical context of events and people from the period covered in this unit c.1400-1750.

  • Explain the history and context of a piece of renaissance or reformation art (c1400-1750).

  • Analyse a primary source through identifying and explicating the author, purpose, and context.

  • Evaluate an event, concept, or figure from the early modern period (c. 1400-1750).

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