The midterm examination will consist of two parts: (1) a series of questions (= 40%) that will evaluate your knowledge of significant factual material covered in lecture and tutorial from 4 May to 10 June, inclusive and (2) an essay (= 60%) that answers a question related to the assigned readings from Weeks 1 to 7. You will complete the series of questions during the regularly scheduled class on Monday, 15 June. You will write the essay before 15 June and hand it in by 10:30 on 15 June. The essay must be typed, double-spaced, and 1000 words long. Follow the guidelines for written assignments on pp. 8-9. No extensions will be given for the essay. Essays not received at the beginning of class on 15 June will receive a mark of 0.
You will write the essay, due on 15 June, in response to one of the following two questions:
1. While acknowledging the term "early modern" is an artificial one, Euan Cameron does think we can make some
sense of it. What does "early modern" mean for Cameron? How appropriately can it be applied to one of the
following?
(a) social and economic developments between 1500 and 1789
(b) the realm of belief and thought between 1500 and 1789
(c) political developments between 1500 and 1789
To answer this question, you must choose one category, consult the chapters relevant to this category, and determine
whether the information contained in these chapters upholds or/and undermines Cameron's view of "early modern."
For (b), you would do well to consider pp. 333-39 as well as the obvious chapters.
2. Robin Briggs writes: "The ancien régime of kings, nobles, and priests was sailing in serene unawareness
towards its doom, as industrial society gradually emerged to replace its agrarian predecessor (p. 204)." Do you
agree with this statement? Or, in other words, does Early Modern Europe provide conclusive evidence for
this statement? Why or why not?
To answer this question you need to analyze the statement by Briggs. Consider the following questions. What is
the connection between political and religious authority-kings, nobles, and priests-and social and economic
developments? What does "doom" mean for the ancien régime? Does "sailing in serene unawareness" suggest
that the demise of the ancien régime was inevitable? These questions are meant as ways in which to approach
the essay question. Do not answer them apart from the essay question. Once you have clarified the meaning
and implications of Briggs's statement, you will need to see if relevant parts of Early Modern Europe support it.
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The in-class part of the midterm consists of three parts. Skip lines when answering Parts 2 and 3. Write legibly.
Part 1 consists of a mix of multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
In Part 2 you will be required to identify and explain the historical significance of two items (e.g. persons, institutions, ideas) in three or four sentences for each item. You will have choice. Remember to answer these questions:
Who/What? Where? When? Why? Clearly indicate which item you are identifying and do not write more than four
sentences. Do not use point form!
Aim to produce a succinct answer that limits itself to providing accurate and relevant information. Expert answers will relate the
item to a larger theme of early modern European history. SKIP LINES.
In Part 3 you will be required to identify and explain the historical significance of one illustration
from Early Modern Europe in one or two paragraphs. You will have choice.
Begin by indicating what the illustration displays and place the subject matter within a geographical and
temporal context. Explain the illustration's historical significance by linking it to one or more larger themes in early modern European history.
Do not write more than two paragraphs. SKIP LINES. Top
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