Seventeenth century Europe: the age of monarchy
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- Course Code: HEH12
- Dates: 03/05/24 - 19/07/24
- Time: 12:30 - 14:30
- Taught: Fri, Daytime
- Duration: 12 sessions (over 12 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Vanessa King
Course Code: HEH12
Duration: 12 sessions (over 12 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course provides an introduction to the history of seventeenth-century Europe focussing on France, Germany, the Dutch Republic, England, Spain and Italy.
What will we cover?
We begin by looking at the European situation in 1600 and the impact of the Reformation. Topics will include: The Thirty Years War, the court as a cultural centre; the execution of Charles I; Spain and the Holy Roman Empire; plague; Louis XIV; international trade including cross-cultural encounters with the Far East.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Assess the causes and consequences of the Thirty Years War
• Explain why Charles I of England was executed
• Interpret symbolism used by Dutch artists to impart Reformist and nationalistic ideals
• Explore how European powers tried to maintain the balance of power in the 17th century
• Describe measures that were taken to deal with plague.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for anyone with an enquiring mind and an enthusiasm for history. No previous knowledge is
necessary but a good understanding of English is essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Each week there will be an informative talk, using PowerPoint, during which class discussion will be encouraged.
We shall use small group work to analyse original sources and a range of handouts will be available for discussion
purposes. Occasionally small pieces of homework reading will be distributed to augment your knowledge. You are
encouraged to bring along/describe items you have read in newspapers/heard on radio/seen on TV you think may be of interest to the group. If you wish to purchase a book before the course I would recommend: Munck T. (1990) Seventeenth Century Europe 1598-1700 Basingstoke: Macmillan.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs other than note-taking materials.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses in European history. Please see the City Lit website.
Vanessa King is a reitred university lecturer in Medieval and early Modern History. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and Honorary Fellow of Birkbeck College University of London. At City Lit, Vanessa offers courses and day schools on London, European, and Global Encounters in the Far East. She has published widely on the Anglo-Norman period (1066-1154), and is currently writing a book on Early English Queenship 600-1066 for Routledge. You can follow her progress via her website: https://queenshipinpreconquestengland.wordpress.com/ Vanessa’s expertise in medieval matters means she is frequently called upon to give public lectures and speak on BBC Radio. Vanessa's philosophy of teaching is to make history come alive through informative presentations with a good sense of humour. In her spare time, she enjoys nothing better than talking history over a glass of red wine!
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
