Key facts
UNE unit code: HIST301
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
At the end of the Middle Ages, massive upheavals changed the face of Europe. Historians refer to these as the Renaissance and Reformation. This unit is designed to help you understand the latter by examining the political, social and theological forces which created conflict, affected social change and shattered the unity of religious practice.
It contextualises these events within the history of Christianity by examining their medieval roots and new visions and explores the phenomenal success of the Reformation by looking closely at its propagation. You will apply critical and reflective thinking to examine a wide range of texts, from pamphlet literature and popular iconography, to public disputations and theological writings.
The unit pays particular attention to Martin Luther and to the varieties of radical reforms in Germany and Central Europe.
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 5 days | Non-Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Dates to be advised. Both on campus and online students are strongly encouraged to attend the intensive school in Armidale. This will involve an entire trimesters program of lectures, tutorials and workshops. An announcement will be made about the Residential School and sent to all students enrolled in History awards and cognate degrees approximately 3-4 months in advance. Those indicating interest in attending will be provided with the readings shortly thereafter. A minimum number of students will be required in order for the intensive school to proceed and those students will be notified four weeks prior to commencement. If the intensive school will not proceed, alternative arrangements for study will be made. The deadline for late registrations is two weeks prior to the start of the Residential School. For further details about any of the foregoing, please contact the Unit Coordinator below. |
Enrolment rules
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:
- apply critical and reflective thinking;
- articulate the themes of the main course topic as historically understood and acquire a broad knowledge of Luther's thought and Reformation emphases;
- analyse and reflect on selected primary source documents relating to Martin Luther and the Reformations;
- identify historical events, persons and ideas, and integrate their significance into the development of theology and the early Protestant movement;
- demonstrate an understanding of the range of issues and problems involved in considering the nature of historical knowledge; and
- exhibit analytical abilities and skills in combining a broad range of research materials, from various resources in order to write history.
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 | 50% | All offerings | Alternative assessment and flexible due dates in consultation with the Unit Coordinator may include, but not limited to the following: essay; take-home examination; presentation; special project; or other research-based outcome. No. Words: 2500 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Alternative assessment and flexible due dates in consultation with the Unit Coordinator may include, but not limited to the following: essay; take-home examination; presentation; special project; or other research-based outcome. No. Words: 2500 |
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.
The European Reformation
ISBN: 9780199547852
Cameron, E., Oxford University Press 2nd ed. 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
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