LFU:online

Skill to develop appropriate questions on a topic of modern history referring to research discussions; capability to analyse the topic based on primary sources and to present the results in an adequate manner; competence to critically reflect the own work

The structure and development of the "Holy Roman Empire" (or in short: "Old Empire") belong to the key topics of early modern history. Scholarly efforts to understand this complex formation have generated both methodical innovations and controversies of interpretation over the last decades. Such advances and debates inspire the seminar. With regard to institutions, constitutional practice and political culture, it explores central problems of the Empire's history, focussing on research questions and primary sources.

Reading and discussion of sources and research literature; thematic presentations; group work

Regular and active participation; oral presentation; written final paper

Recommended as a primer: Barbara Stollberg-Rilinger, Das Heilige Römische Reich Deutscher Nation. Vom Ende des Mittelalters bis 1806, 5. Aufl., München 2013. A comprehensive bibliography will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Successful completion of two modules from the elective modules 1 to 6

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