Program Overview

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Introduction to THL419 The European Reformations

This subject begins with an overview of fifteenth-century Western Christianity and society, emphasising the impact of scholasticism, Christian humanism, and novel nationalism. It then explores the reformations in continental Europe and reform movements within Roman Catholicism, the radical reformations, inquisitions, and the plight of religious minorities, English and Scottish reformations from Henry VIII to Elizabeth I, Puritan influence, and the Stuart, Commonwealth, and Restoration settlements.

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

The duration of this subject is one session.

School

This subject is offered by the School of Theology.

Enrolment Restrictions

This subject is not available to students who have completed THL132 The European Reformations.

Subject Relationships

THL132 is a paired subject.

Incompatible Subjects

THL132 is an incompatible subject.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• demonstrate an advanced understanding of the diverse political, intellectual, and social contexts of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century reform movements
• demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the contribution of major figures in these movements
• demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a range of views on controversial issues relating to theology, sacraments, and church-state relations
• demonstrate an advanced understanding of the successive settlements of religion in Britain
• demonstrate an advanced critical understanding of minority religious movements during this period
• explain and evaluate aspects of Protestant and Roman Catholic thought, life, and culture before 1700 CE
• assess critically historians' interpretations of reformation church history
• demonstrate self-guided and collaborative learning, including advanced research, writing, and communication skills relevant to history as a discipline

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• The context of late medieval Christendom: tensions and crises in the Western Church by 1500 CE; Wyclif and Hus; Erasmus, scholasticism, and Christian humanism
• Luther, the German Reformation, and Lutheran movements in northern Europe
• Zwingli, Bucer, Calvin, and the progress of Reformed Protestantism
• Changes in Roman Catholicism: reform, reaction, and revival
• The radical reformations and religious minorities
• Religion, society, and politics in Britain from the Tudors to the Stuarts
• Puritanism and nonconformity in early modern Britain
• The character and consequences of the Elizabethan, Stuart, Commonwealth, and Restoration religious settlements
• The character and consequences of the wars of religion and religious settlements in Europe
• Patterns of life: death, gender, sexuality, the family, and witchcraft in the Reformation period
• The long-term legacies and worldwide impact of the reformations

Residential School

This subject contains a 2-day optional residential school. The residential school provides an orientation to the subject matter, methodology, assessment, library resources, and research tools pertaining to the study of church history. Activities include lectures, tutorial discussion, and library orientation.

Availability

This subject is available in the following sessions:

• Session 2 (60)
  • On Campus: Canberra Campus
  • Online: Canberra Campus