Western Civilization in the present day has its roots in the re-discovery of Classical Civilization and Humanism and in the discovery of new continents during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The impact of these forces of change shaped the progress and development of the West in the following centuries. The chronological span of three hundred and fifty years from 1450 to 1800 witnessed a most concentrated and consistent flourishing of intellectual, scientific and creative progress and dramatic change not only in Europe, but through overseas discovery and expansion, worldwide. This Early Modern Period was the first truly global age in which the words ‘Europe’, ‘European’ and ‘Civilization’ acquired new and immense significance.
Through studying the experiences of two major European powers of the early modern period: the Dutch Republic and France. This module examines that crucial period in world history in which the cultural, political, economic, social, intellectual, scientific and strategic foundations of our present world were established. It focuses upon the great events and movements of the period that shaped human development such as Renaissance Humanism, Religious, Cultural and Social Reformations, Exploration, Discovery, Scientific Development, Baroque Art & Neo-Classicism and the rise of Political Absolutism, Modern Military and Diplomatic Strategy and the emergence of the modern power-state, of the nation-state, of overseas dominions, and of supra-national institutions.