European History 1500-1800- Period 2

When does the early modern period start? This intriguing question is still debated. Fact is that around the year 1500 a number of developments set in that further shaped, but also changed Europe fundamentally. What to think of the Reformation, which tore apart the 'unity' in the Church and divided Europe deeply. This was also the era of Europe's serious overseas expansion, with dramatic consequences for the economies of Europe and people all over the globe. European's curiosity was not confined to discovering the globe, as scientists fundamentally challenged ideas and notions about the nature of the cosmos and its functioning. New ideas were also applied to the notions of man and governance during the period of Enlightenment, and they posed a threat to the Ancien Regime with its absolutist tendencies, ultimately leading to democratic revolutions in a number of states. All these themes are highlighted during this course.

Contact hours listed under a course description may vary due to the combination of lecture-based and independent work required for each course therefore, CEA's recommended credits are based on the ECTS credits assigned by VU Amsterdam. 1 ECTS equals 28 contact hours assigned by VU Amsterdam.