Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit explores the changing nature of power, governance, rule and the demand for rights in medieval and early modern Europe. Students analyse major developments in social and political power, and their expression in written texts, art, music, literature, social experience and political movements. The unit examines the nature of rule in Europe, its relationship to religious, political, social and cultural beliefs, and its development and expression in civil wars, riots and protest, and international warfare. Students are given extensive opportunities to develop methodological skills in this unit, by interpreting original documents and artefacts across a broad chronological survey of medieval and early modern Europe, assessing historians' approaches to these sources, and establishing their own analyses in the context of the current scholarly interpretations and narratives of the period.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Not available in 2025AlbanyFace to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the History; Human Rights major sequences
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe and assess the basic methodological issues characteristic of the discipline of History (although completion of the major requires further Level 3 units to augment and reinforce this instruction); (2) identify and evaluate the methodological problems posed by the nature of sources and analysis of Europe in the medieval and early modern period; (3) demonstrate a detailed understanding of the social, political, cultural and intellectual changes that occurred in medieval and early modern Europe; (4) analyse a range of historical material of various kinds for essay assessments using appropriate methodologies; (5) relate their independent interpretations to complex historiographical debates about medieval and early modern Europe; and (6) further develop the ability earlier imparted in the prerequisite Level 2 unit to present advanced arguments in both written and oral assessments using the conventions of the historical discipline.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research essay; (2) participation; and (3) assignment. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Jacqueline Van Gent
Unit rules
Prerequisites
a Level 2 HIST unit
or EURO2201 European Civilisation
or GEND2902 Men and Masculinities in History
Contact hours
Lecture - 1 hr per week
Tutorial - 1 hr per week
Workshop - 1 hr per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.