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 Level 2 unit in the history of ideas explores the development of 'civilisation' and 'barbarism' in European culture and thought since the Renaissance. Topics focus on critical and self-reflexive accounts of European civilisation, including the Renaissance discovery of otherness; the Enlightenment ideal of the 'noble savage'; post-Enlightenment critiques of civilisation; twentieth-century narratives of 'civilised violence' and civilisational decay; and contemporary reflections on the state of 'Europe' as a civilisational project. Students are introduced to theories of the dialectic of civilisation and barbarism and the civilising process. Literary and theoretical texts drawn from the European tradition are studied in sociohistorical context in order to arrive at a critical understanding of the development of European civilisational values.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 option in the History major sequence
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) analyse a range of significant literary and theoretical works that engage with ideas of civilisation and barbarism; (2) demonstrate understanding of the development of European concepts of civilisation, civility and civil society and their opposites, 'nature' and 'barbarism'; (3) apply the principles of ethical research, analytical thinking, clear writing and correct documentation in written assignments; and (4) communicate orally and interact constructively and productively in interpersonal (classroom) situations.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) critical analysis; (2) research essay; and (3) tutorial participation. 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)
Dr Kati Tonkin
Unit rules
Incompatibility
EURO2201 Civilisation and Barbarism in European Cultural History
Contact hours
Seminar: 1 x 90-minute seminar for 10 weeks
online modules: approx. 1 x 60 minutes per week for 10 weeks. No lectures.
Texts

William Shakespeare, The Tempest

Sigmund Freud, Civilisation and its Discontents

Fyodor Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground

Thomas Mann, Death in Venice And Seven Other Stories

  • 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.