The Family in Early Modern Europe and Colonial America

 

The Family in Early Modern Europe and Colonial America can be studied as a stand-alone course and it is an optional course for the Certificate of Higher Education in Genealogical Studies at Aberystwyth University.

Key Facts

 

 

Language: English

Duration: 10 Weeks

Number of Credits: 10

Tutor: Claire Phillips

Learning Method: Online

Level: This module is at CQFW Level 4

Module Code: XM10310

Fee: £140.00 - Fee Waiver Scheme available

This course is available to book.

 

Overview

In the early modern period, ‘the family’ was at the centre of politics, economics, and society. Although still under the ideals of early modern patriarchy, the family was flexible, and more complex than may first appear. The ‘household’ comprised of related and non-related members, all living under the same roof, and under the control of the patriarch. This course will use primary and secondary sources to examine the formation of the family, as well as the role of the family within themes such as sex and reproduction, education and childrearing, work, warfare, and revolution. It will show how family members worked both together and separately in order to develop a ‘family’ and how these bonds could be broken in times of troubles. This online course lets you study from home while connecting with a vibrant virtual community of fellow learners.

Programme 

The course will cover the following:

  1. Introduction: patriarchy and the family.
  2. Marriage contracts, negotiation and coverture.
  3. Contraception, pregnancy, and childbirth.
  4. Illegitimacy, abandonment and infanticide.
  5. Stepfamilies.
  6. Apprenticeship.
  7. Domestic servants and slavery.
  8. Women’s work Family in the War and Revolution.
  9. Divorce: the breaking of the family.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Understand the nature of the family throughout the early modern period, and how it differed across Europe.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the various issues and sensitivities surrounding research in this period.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the primary and secondary sources available for research in the history of the early modern family.
  4. Be able to read sources ‘against the grain’ in order to understand the ways in which the family can be identified and understood in the early modern period.

Assessments

  1. Source Analysis (500 words) undertaken throughout the module via the online forum participation. (30%)

  2. Essay 1500 words (70%)

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

  • Internet access.
  • Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
  • Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.