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HI4003: SPECIAL SUBJECT: ENLIGHTENMENT COMPARED: IRELAND, SCOTLAND, CENTRAL EUROPE (2017-2018)

Last modified: 27 Feb 2018 16:49


Course Overview

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.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Old Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Karin Friedrich

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Programme Level 4
  • Either Erasmus Off Campus or History (HI)
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

  • HI4015 Special Subject 1 (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

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 (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 Enlightenments, on the religious, social and political aspects of Enlightenment culture, the issue of Enlightenment as secularisation, the 'rise of the public sphere', and other themes.

Further Information & Notes

Students are not permitted to register for this course after the end of week 2 of teaching.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt

  • One 3-hour written examination (100%)

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Feedback

None.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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