HR250-5-FY-CO:
Supernatural and Natural Worlds in Early Modern Europe
PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
2023/24
Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Undergraduate: Level 5
Inactive
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 28 June 2024
30
20 August 2019
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
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This course brings together intellectual and cultural approaches to history to explore the shifting meanings of the natural and supernatural worlds during a period that encompassed three major shifts in intellectual outlook: the Reformation, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment.
In early modern Europe (ca. 1550-1815), people believed that there was a permeable boundary between the natural (what could be readily observed and explained by natural philosophy) and supernatural worlds (what was hidden, or lay beyond the natural world).
Not only did the relationship between science and God undergo profound changes, but the shifts simultaneously resulted in many supernatural beliefs (e.g. werewolves) becoming less plausible while raising the possibility of other mysterious creatures (e.g. vampires).
But to what extent did the intellectual framework of the educated elite shape popular belief (or vice versa)? We will explore the way in which early modern people understood the boundaries between human and animal, body and soul, life and death, science and religion, and reality and imagination.
No information available.
No information available.
General Reading List:
Daston, Lorraine and Katherine Park, Wonders and the Order of Nature, 1150-1750 (New York: Zone Books, 2009).
Sugg, Richard, Mummies, Cannibals and Vampires: The History of Corpse Medicine from the Renaissance to the Victorians London and New York (Routledge, 2011).
Wilson, Stephen, The Magical Universe: Everyday Ritual and Magic in Pre-Modern Europe (London and New York: Hambledon and London, 2000).
One-hour lecture and one-hour seminar per week.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Exam |
Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 180 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: Remote, Open Book, 180 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Lisa Smith, email: lisa.smith@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Lisa Smith
Belinda Waterman, Department of History, 01206 872313
Yes
Yes
No
Dr Mark Williams
Cardiff University
Senior Lecturer in Early Modern History
Available via Moodle
Of 44 hours, 44 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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