Processes of Change in Early Modern Society

The subject of this course is changes in society in the period ca. 1550-1850. Europe will be in focus, but in global perspective.
The early modern period was an important era of change. Europe was increasingly related to other parts of the world through trade, exploration, war and conquest. The relationship increasingly influenced the daily lives of people, their working lives and their ways of thinking. Economic structures changed from feudal agricultural economy to trade capitalism and beginning industrializing. The economic policy changed from protectionist mercantilism to economic liberalism. At the same time, social structure changed, and culture developed from renaissance and reformation to enlightenment, with religious contradictions as important issues. Politically the feudal society went through processes of state formation to absolutism, revolutions and constitutionalism.
The course will give a survey of the period, and focus on important changes in social, economic, cultural, religious and political life.
Norwegian development will be discussed in connection with the different topics of the course.

A candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome according to the course curriculum, defined as knowledge and skills:
Knowledge:
The candidate is expected to
- have knowledge about economical, social, political and cultural changes in the period ca. 11550-1850
- have knowledge about how individuals and local societies became a part of new economical, social and political connections, and how these connections had an effect on the daily life of the individual, on norms and behaviour
Skills:
The candidate is expected to
- be able to pass on knowledge gained from the course and to discuss relevant problems in a critical way

Lectures and seminars. Obligatory term paper.