Title:
Perspectives on the history of m odern Europe
Stream:
History
Preamble: This course provides an introduction to the history of modern Europe, broadly defined. By following critical accounts of key events in European history (circ.1500-1900 A.D.), the course attempts to present a comprehensive narrative of the advent of modernity and its general consequences. The course explores significant social, economic, and political changes that led to the emergence of European imperialism. The course will enable an understanding of the major historical debates that shaped the historiography of modern Europe.
Course Content: From Feudalism to Capitalism: transition debate, Maurice Dobb, Paul Sweezy, Robert Brenner; The “New Monarchy”: early Tudors; The Reformation: Luther, Calvin and Zwingli; The English Revolution: England and its neighbours in the 17th century; The Enlightenment; The French Revolution; The Industrial Revolution and the Standard of Living Debate; The Revolution of 1848; Italian and German Unifications; The “Scramble for Africa”: European colonisation of Africa; New Imperialism (circ.1890).
References:
1. Paul Sweezy et al., The Transition Form Feudalism to Capitalism, Aaakar Books, 2006.
2. T.H. Aston and C.H.E. Philpin, Eds, The Brenner Debate, Cambridge University Press, 2005.
3. Maurice Dobb, Studies in the Development of Capitalism, Routledge, 1947.
