070090 UE Guided Reading - History of Consumption in Europe in the Early Modern Period (2019W)

Content: In the first part of the Guided Reading we will study some introductory texts on the topic of consumption in Europe in the early modern period, with particular emphasis on the development of the phenomenon in the 18th century. In this part of the course, the phenomenon will be defined and embedded in the historical context. In the second part of the course, we will discuss specific case studies, where the developments in specific fields, such as diet, clothing or housing will be presented. Through these case studies, the fundamental characteristics and changes of the phenomenon in the period will be addressed. In the third part of the course, fundamental concepts and theories, which have defined the field and have greatly influenced the current scientific discussion, will be examined.

Goals and methods: Apart from the main goal of the course, which is to familiarize the students with consumption history in Europe in the early modern period, the students should learn in this Guided Reading: a) to read, understand and evaluate scientific texts in German and English, b) to present the texts they read and to criticize them scientifically, and c) to embed the texts in general historical questions and discussions. They should learn to read scientific texts fast and professionally. Additionally, they should train in the discussion on scientific texts and historical sources. The texts should be examined with the intention of revealing the main, core argument, the intentions of the author and the strategies he or she follows. Moreover, the short written essays will help the students to learn how to formulate a scientific text.

Literature: We will read up to 50 pages of a scientific text in English or German for every session (journal paper, 1-2 chapters of a book or an article in an edited volume). Moreover, in some sessions small parts of historical sources will be examined.