Aims and Assessment
Aims and Objectives
- Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the concept of “go-betweens” and aspects of border-crossing in the early modern world
- Critically analyse and evaluate a broad range of primary sources relating to early modern cultural mediation, mobility, identity, and border crossings
- Effectively communicate ideas, and make informed, coherent and persuasive arguments
- Critically review and consolidate theoretical, methodological, and historiographical ideas relating to early modern global history and cultural interactions
- Take responsibility to identify, design, and produce a coherent project on an aspect of the history of early modern go-betweens and the dynamics or experiences of crossing borders in the early modern world
Assessment
This module will be assessed through individual and group work as follows:
Venice stream:
- Seminar contribution (20%)
- 3,000-word essay (80%)
PGT 20-CATS
- 1,000-word assignment related to seminar contribution (25%)
- 3,000-word essay (75%)
PGT 30-CATS
- 1,500-word assignment related to seminar contribution (25%)
- 4,500-word essay (75%)
Seminar Contribution
As a module consisting entirely of 2-hour seminars, seminar participation is essential. This consists of arriving prepared by doing the weekly readings and thinking about the set seminar questions in advance, as well as through active contribution to class discussions led by the tutor or fellow students. All students will prepare and lead one seminar activity in the course of the term. PGT students will, in addition, write a historiographical reflection about a set of seminar readings (selected in consultation with the tutor).
Essay
Your essay (3,000 words OR 4,500 words, see above) should be framed around a relevant historical question related to the theme of the module, developed in consultation with the seminar tutor. You may consider adopting a comparative perspective, e.g. by incorporating examples and materials from different time periods and/or from different parts of the world.
Your essay should engage with both secondary literature and primary sources. These may overlap with materials analysed in the seminars, yet substantial development is required. Essays should be submitted via Tabula in accordance with Departmental rulesLink opens in a new window. See Tabula for submission deadlines.
