LFU:online

Befähigung zur eigenständigen, forschungsgeleiteten Analyse und Kontextualisierung eines Themas aus der Geschichte der Neuzeit nach fachwissenschaftlichen Regeln; Fertigkeit zur selbstständigen Recherche und Auswertung themenrelevanter Quellen und Sekundärliteratur; gefestigte Kompetenzen im Verfassen historischer Abhandlungen (Formulierung, Begründung und Verteidigung von Argumenten

Skills to write a Bachelor manuscript, practice how to give a paper. Skills to read early modern German and English texts.

With the beginning of the modern era, not only the maritime powers Portugal and Spain, later also the Netherlands and England, extended their political, economic and military influence into newly discovered territories, but also the Christian denominations of Europe used the new opportunities for expansion. 

In the seminar, we will take a closer look at this worldwide expansion of "Latin" Christianity. The focus will be on Catholic missionary efforts. This is due to the fact that the Lutheran and Reformed confessional churches showed only few efforts towards non-European missions until the 19th century, whereas Rome became active in America, Africa and Asia at an early stage. The most important reference date here is the founding of the Congregation "De Propaganda Fide" in 1622, which was to coordinate all Catholic missionary enterprises in Europe and the world.

In popular conceptions, Catholic mission in the early modern period has often been equated with colonialism, and in the worst cases even with genocide. That there were these aspects cannot be denied. Conversely, however, there were also moments of cultural exchange on an equal footing, one thinks of the Jesuit presence in China and India, for example. In the area of tension between such extremes and always with the relationship between global mission and confessionalisation in Europe in mind, we will approach this historical phenomenon, which is fascinating in many respects.

Interpretation of sources and discussion of research literature, Lecture, group discussions

lecture and essay, working groups

will be announced

Positive assessment of one module from the elective modules 7 to 12. The respective proof ought to be produced until the end of October 2021.

The willingness to deal with English-language literature is absolutely necessary for completing the course. Depending on the individual selection of the topic for the Bachelor's thesis, further foreign language skills are an advantage.