Key facts
UNE unit code: HIST113
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

This unit will deepen your understanding of the history of Europe from the start of the Reformation in 1517 to the French Revolution in 1789. In this period, Europe underwent profound transformations.
The hegemony of the Catholic Church was challenged by the Protestant Reformation, which tore Europe apart as great dynasties and proto-nations fought for religious and political supremacy. European colonial empires were established in the Americas, Africa and Asia, revolutionising the world economy. Finally, the Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution decisively altered the intellectual landscape of the Western World.
Europe as we know it today was moulded by the momentous events of this period. The unit will challenge you to think critically about a range of key events and issues during this fascinating historical period.
This unit complements the knowledge gained in HIST111 but can also be studied as a standalone unit.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
There are no requisites for this unit.
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of the key events and developments that shaped Early Modern Europe;
- apply the methods and ethical conventions of the discipline to the evaluation and application of historical evidence from Early Modern Europe;
- critically examine and evaluate a range of methodologies, concepts and debates from the historical scholarship on Early Modern Europe;
- construct well-researched, logically argued and clearly communicated written assessment tasks based on evidence from a variety of primary and secondary materials; and
- reflect critically on knowledge gained, skills learned and opinions formed from their practice of scholarly historical investigation in this unit.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Ten-question, ten-minute quiz. No. Words: 500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Primary Source Analysis No. Words: 1000 |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Supervised Exam. This online exam will be supervised via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 4 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Reflection Exercise No. Words: 500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Early Modern Europe, 1450-1789
ISBN: 9781009160803
Wiesner-Hanks, M.E., Cambridge University Press 3rd ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
The European World 1500-1800: An Introduction to Early Modern History
ISBN: 9780367691554
Kumin, B. (ed), Routledge 4th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?

UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.