Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis The subject will cover the social and cultural history of Western Europe from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century. Particular emphasis will be given to the Italian Renaissance and to the spread of its influence in northern Europe in the sixteenth century. Themes to be treated will include the economic and cultural effects of the black death, war, popular rebellion, and political and religious changes in the later Middle Ages, the emergence of Renaissance humanism, the courtly and civic culture of fifteenth century Italy, the age of discoveries and inventions, the emergence of the early modern European state system and the dissemination of the civilisation of the Renaissance in Western Europe. Documentary texts will be used extensively in tutorials.
Assessment Two essays (total 2500 words): 50% + Examination (2 hours): 40% + Class participation/attendance: 10%