Last modified: 31 Jul 2023 11:19
Composed of hundreds of territories, the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation seemed an incoherent patchwork. Yet it functioned as a political entity for centuries. This course studies the profound transformation of Germany from the onset of the Reformation to the destruction of the Empire by Napoleon. We will look at religious conflict, the impact of war, the early Enlightenment and the development of early national identity. The question we have to ask is not why did the Holy Roman Empire fail, but why and how did it survive for such a long period?
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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Composed of hundreds of principalities, cities, bishoprics and other territories, the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation as Germany was then called - seemed an incoherent patchwork, yet it functioned as a political entity for centuries. This course studies the great diversity of German history at a time of profound transformation, from the onset of the Reformation to the destruction of the Empire by Napoleon in the early years of the nineteenth century. We will look at religious conflict and social rebellion, the impact of war on society, the important role of German cities, the relationship between Empire and territorial states, Baroque culture, the impact of the early Enlightenment, the changing idea of Empire and the development of early national identity. As for much of this time the Empire was a battlefield for the diverse interests of European dynasties in the 'heart of Europe', we will explore the relationship between Germany and its neighbours. The question we have to ask is not why did the Holy Roman Empire fail, but why and how did it survive for such a long period?
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
2500 word essay (40%)
1000 word comparative article review (20%)
Online Exam (40%)
resit: 5000 word essay (100%)
There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Apply | To demonstrate an awareness of different ways of defining and contextualising the history of the Holy Roman Empire/early modern Germany |
| Reflection | Evaluate | To facilitate the development of judgement by students, who will select and pursue research themes centred on their individual interests as these emerge during the course |
| Procedural | Create | To cultivate general skills in time-management, self-learning and initiative through the allocation of assignments, use of electronic and bibliographical databases. |
| Factual | Analyse | To introduce students to unfamiliar types of sources and incorporate the study of primary sources as a vital tool in the cultivation of critical, analytical abilities |
| Reflection | Understand | To help students to develop debating skills, the giving and receiving of academic criticism |
| Factual | Remember | Learn about the Holy Roman Empire and its society which played a major role for the development of Europe and European ideas (e.g. federalism) for today. |
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