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The Enlightenment in Comparison: Scotland and Central Europe, 1650-1800

HI551I

CREDIT POINTS 15

Course Co-ordinator: Dr Karin Friedrich and Dr Michael Brown

Pre-requisite(s): None.

Co-requisite(s): HI5053 Introduction to Historical Research or CU5004 Approaches to Culture

Note(s): Available in second half-session 2009/10.

This course examines the emergence and the variations of Enlightenment thinking in Scotland and Central Europe (with particular emphasis on the German and East Central European Enlightenment, to which the Scottish Enlightenment had strong historical links). It emphasises the varieties of the European Enlightenment, against the traditional assumption that the Enlightenment was exclusively 'located' in France. It looks at the definition and the shaping of Enlightenment thought and practice (learned societies, reading clubs, social reform movements, education, freemasonry etc) at the 'peripheries' of an allegedly French-dominated Enlightenment culture (recently re-affirmed by Robert Darnton) by comparing and contrasting various theoretical and practical strands. It invites students to think critically about historiographical debates and to develop skills in using, speaking and writing about theoretical concepts in a clear, comprehensible manner. Seminar topics will focus on major figures and personalities of the Scottish and European Enlightenment, on 'The Catholic Enlightenment', on Enlightenment in practice, 'Enlightenment as Secularisation?', and other themes.

8 x 2-hour classes

100% Continuous Assessment: 1 x 2500 word essay (60%); 1 x 1500 word comparative review (40%).

 

Arts and Humanities Research Council

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