Course topics:

I. Economy
Birth of the world economic system
Price Revolution
Forms of early modern commercial systems
Proto-industrialization
Industrial revolution

II. Society
Demographic system of early modern Europe
Nobles and gentlemen
The bourgeoisie
The peasantry
The marginal population

III. Settlements
Cities
Villages

Aims:

During the course we would like to develop the ability to formulate, investigate and discuss historically informed questions in a comparative and interdisciplinary perspective. The ability to identify and work with primary sources and secondary of historical study. The ability to design and use appropriate historical research strategies and techniques in a critical and reflexive manner. We pay special attention to develop ability to employ higher order-thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Ability to locate, synthesize and critically evaluate literature relevant to the research topic. Ability to efficiently integrate theories, secondary and primary data, and advance an argument that is compelling, consistent and well-supported by relevant evidence. Ability to synthesize information determines a focal point, research question, and thesis statement; discern main line of argumentation. Ability to constructively and collaboratively participate in discussions and debates.

Braudel, F. (1984): The Pesrpective of the World. Divisions of Space and Time in Europe. London William Collins Sons & Co Ltd, 699 p. ISBN 0 00 2 1 6 1 3 3 8,

Park, M. (2001): Early Modern Capitalism. Economic and Social Change in Europe. Routledge Publisher. London. ISBN 0-203-98895-7.

Persson, K. G. (2010): An Economic History of Europe. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge ISBN-13 978-0-521-54940-0, 253 p.

Musgrave, P. (1999): The Early Modern European Economy. Macmillan Press Ltd. London ISBN 0–333–69336–1, 236 p.