Key facts
UNE unit code: HIST569
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
This unit introduces you to the history of Spain during its ‘Golden Age’ in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
During this period, Spain rose to become not only the most powerful kingdom in Europe but also the first modern European state to establish a global empire over which ‘the sun never set’.
You will advance your understanding of the abrupt rise to supremacy and subsequent slow decline of Spain as a major actor on both the European and World stages in the early modern period.
Working with translated primary sources, you will also analyse the many problems that confront historians when examining Imperial Spain, including the impact of Spain’s foreign policy in Europe, its economic woes, and its persecution of religious minorities.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
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:
- investigate, interpret, critically analyse, reflect on, and synthesise complex information and concepts about power, propaganda of the Spanish Empire;
- demonstrate an advanced body of knowledge of the Spanish Empire and early modern European history;
- apply an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods to select and synthesise ideas from selected primary source documents relating to the Spanish Empire;
- apply specialised knowledge of the historical events, persons and ideas, and integrate their significance into the development and decline of the Spanish empire;
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the range of issues and problems involved in considering the nature of historical knowledge; and
- exhibit advanced analytical abilities and a skill in combining a broad range of research materials, from various resources in order to develop and present a coherent and sustained argument.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Essay | Yes | 55% | All offerings | No. Words: 3000 |
| Minor Essay | Yes | 35% | All offerings | No. Words: 2500 |
| Tutorial/Online Forum Participation | Yes | 10% | All offerings | 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: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Spain, 1469-1714 : a Society of Conflict
ISBN: 9781408271933
Kamen, H., Routledge 4th ed. 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
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