This course examines themes and problems in European History. The course will focus on a particular problem in European historiography, examined in depth in one period or across different periods from the medieval to the contemporary era. Particular attention will be paid to recent scholarly debates in historiography and diverse methodological approaches. Students will undertake a research project in European history.

Please refer to the class summary for the enrolment period in which you wish to enrol for a detailed description of the presenter, theme, format, scheduling, detailed assessment, and indicative readings. This course may be taken more than once with a different topic in each instance.

Sample topics may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Body and Society in Early Modern England
• The Enlightenment and its Critics, 1700 to the Present
• Political Authority in European History

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1.  demonstrate critical understanding of key themes and issues in the study of the European history;
2. engage critically with the historiography of a particular period of European history;
3. provide and respond to feedback in the process of formulating solutions to complex historical questions;
4. demonstrate advanced skills in using primary sources to make a historical argument; and
5.  design and execute a research project in European History .

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Alex Cook. Introduction:	Weekly Tutorial Participation and Oral Presentation to be set in class.
2	Alex: The Theory and Practice of Political Authority in Early Modern Europe, c.1650-1750
3	Alex: Political Authority and the French Revolution of 1789
4	Meaghan McEvoy:  Emperors, Kings and Political Authority 400-800CE
5	Meaghan: Empresses, Queens and Political Authority 400-800CE
6	Meaghan: Charismatic Christian Holy Men and Women and Political Authority 400-800CE	Research Essay Proposal Due 9am, Friday 4 September
7	Filip Slaveski:  Khan: Political Authority in Muscovy under the Mongols, 1304-1589
8	Filip: Tsar: Political Authority in Muscovy, 1589- 1917
9	Filip: General Secretary: Political Authority in Soviet Times, 1917-1991
10	Ben Mercer:  Crises of Authority in Weimar and Nazi Germany
11	Ben: Charismatic Authority and Sacral Politics in Fascist Italy
12	Ben: 1968 and the Politics of Anti-Authoritarianism	Research Essay due Monday 9 November, 9am.

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Oral and/or written contribution to class activities – (weekly)	10 %	*	1,2,3
Research Essay Proposal	15 %	04/09/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Oral Presentation	15 %	*	1,2,3
Research Essay	60 %	09/11/2026	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Oral and/or written contribution to class activities – (weekly)

Seminars are the key component of the learning program of this course, and your participation in them will assist you and your fellow students to learn from the course. 

Your seminar participation mark for this course will be determined by the quality and regularity of your PARTICIPATION.  You will be expected to have read the required readings for each week and to participate in an informed way in seminar discussions and activities.

Assessment Task 2

Research Essay Proposal

 In this assessment, our expectation is that you will develop a specific research question in relation to a course module. This focus will enable you to research the issues involved in your topic in depth, and to show initiative and judgement in your selection of materials and evidence to support your argument. As an essay in History, we encourage you to identify and work with a selection of primary or documentary sources relevant to your chosen topic. We will offer guidance on these issues in early seminars, and encourage you to contact your convenor with any specific questions or to seek advice as early as possible.

Your Research Essay Proposal should address the following questions in essay format:

1. What is your central question and in what ways does that question relate to a significant aspect of the political authority? (You should explain the ways in which you have chosen and refined your question. We are interested here in your selection and contextualisation of your topic.)
2. What will be the research base for your essay, and what primary/documentary sources do you intend to use in supporting your analysis? What are likely to be the strengths and limitations of those primary sources? (You should summarise the primary sources that seem most promising in supporting your essay, and any factors you will need to take into account in your use of those sources. We are interested here in your research methods and theories).
3. What interpretations or debates will you engage with in developing your argument? (We are interested here in how you propose to enrich your analysis by considering the academic literature or historiography relevant to your topic)
4. What do you anticipate will be the main contribution your essay will make to our understanding of the history of political authority?

This essay should be fully referenced and offer justifications and developed arguments in support of your answers to these questions. 

Assessment:

Your essay will be assessed by the following criteria (a full exposition of criteria is found on the assessments page). 

Research: Does the essay demonstrate the ability to identify appropriate primary and secondary sources to answer the research question?

Analysis: Does the essay critically analyse its sources?

Argument: Does the essay make a convincing argument, based in primary and secondary sources?

Presentation: Is the essay clear, well written, well-structured, and properly referenced?

Instructions: 

 Please submit your assignment via Turnitin on Canvas. No hard copy is required

-      Late essays will be penalized at the rate of 5% per working day or part thereof.

-      If you require an extension, you must ask the Convenor before the date the assignment is due, via the Assessment Extension Request button.

-      Overlength assignments will be penalized according to CASS policy, which states that a 10% penalty will be applied to essays that exceed the specified word limit over a 10% buffer. Footnotes and bibliographies are not included in the word limit.

-   No assignment will be assessed after the return of assignments to other students.

-   All references should be footnoted in Chicago format (notes and bibliography) or similar style. See the quick guide here: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html

 

Assessment Task 3

Oral Presentation

Assessment: Present an oral presentation of 15 mins (individual) or longer for groups. Dates to be determined in class. 

Task: Seek out a piece of evidence and speak to it including how it helps us to understand the major themes of the seminar week and course. If using a script or PPT, submit this too.

Assessment Task 4

Research Essay

Answer your research question, taking into account the feedback from teaching staff. 

Assessment:

Your essay will be assessed by the following criteria (a full exposition of criteria is found on the assessments page). 

Research: Does the essay demonstrate the ability to identify appropriate primary and secondary sources to answer the research question?

Analysis: Does the essay critically analyse its sources?

Argument: Does the essay make a convincing argument, based in primary and secondary sources?

Presentation: Is the essay clear, well written, well-structured, and properly referenced?

Instructions: 

 Please submit your assignment via Turnitin on Canvas. No hard copy is required

-      Late essays will be penalized at the rate of 5% per working day or part thereof.

-      If you require an extension, you must ask the Convenor before the date the assignment is due, via the Assessment Extension Request button.

-      Overlength assignments will be penalized according to CASS policy, which states that a 10% penalty will be applied to essays that exceed the specified word limit over a 10% buffer. Footnotes and bibliographies are not included in the word limit.

-   No assignment will be assessed after the return of assignments to other students.

-   All references should be footnoted in Chicago format (notes and bibliography) or similar style. See the quick guide here: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html

Your essay will be assessed by the following criteria:

Research: Does the essay demonstrate the ability to identify appropriate primary and secondary sources to answer the research question?

Analysis: Does the essay critically analyse its primary sources?

Argument: Does the essay make a convincing argument, based in primary and secondary sources?

Presentation: Is the essay clear, well written, well-structured, and properly referenced?

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students