Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - HIST 223 D100

Early Modern Europe, 1500-1789 (3)

Class Number: 2820

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of early modern European history which will examine, among other topics, the wars of religion, the 17th century revolutions, 16th and 17th century economic development, the scientific revolution, the enlightenment and the political and social character of the old regime. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Transitions are exciting and disturbing. From the eve of the Protestant Reformation to the eve of the French Revolution, Europeans experienced many transformative changes. They participated in or endured religious and cultural innovations, political and social conflict, and economic opportunity and crisis. The early modern period in European history was a time of crucial transitions.  

We shall begin by asking if the term “early modern” is appropriate for this period. Does it point to a shift to modern Europe? Next, we shall discover how religious and social rituals structured and sometimes disrupted the lives of Europeans. Finally, we shall consider if evidence from the eighteenth century points to the demise of the prevailing social system and to the beginnings of modern Europe. 

It is important to attend the first class on Tuesday, 15 September. You will need to complete a reading assignment (35 pages) before the first class. Questions on Power Point slides available in the Canvas course shell will guide your reading. At the first class, we shall begin covering essential course content, which will prepare you for the first quiz and the first essay.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The course requirements of History 223 will help you achieve the educational goals of undergraduate courses in the Department of History. By the end of the course, you will be able

  • to identify the principal historical developments of early modern Europe
  • to apply a knowledge of these developments in assessing historical interpretations of early modern Europe.

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Five quizzes (29 Sept., 13 Oct., 27 Oct., 10 Nov., 1 Dec.) 35%
  • First Essay (800-1000 words, due 23 Oct.) 20%
  • Second Essay (1000-1500 words, due 4 Dec.) 30%

NOTES:

Hist. 223 will prepare you for Hist. 320 (European Reformation to be offered in Spring 2027) and Hist. 336 (Ideas and Society in Early Modern Europe). 

This course counts towards the optional concentration in Early Modern World History for History minors and majors.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Euan Cameron, ed., Early Modern Europe, available electronically from the SFU library.

Journal articles available electronically from the SFU library.

Robert Darnton, The Great Cat Massacre, available electronically from the SFU library.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Learn more about studing History at SFU:

History areas of study


Why study History?

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.