131-472 Forbidden Pleasures: Europe 1450-1550

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in history.

Seen by many as the beginnings of modern consumer society, Europe in the period 1450 to 1550 witnessed an unprecedented level of expenditure on a wide variety of new luxury goods. These goods, in turn, stimulated new avenues for ritual practice and display, and were seen by some to lead to dissolute habits and 'unnatural' sexual practices. This seminar examines the social, political, economic and theological impact of new objects of desire, together with the variety of responses that attempted to contain, justify or condemn the new pleasures. Students should complete the seminar with an understanding of the origins of consumer society and the dialectic that this society's practices engendered. Each year that it is offered, this seminar will focus on one or more areas of Europe. In 2006, the focus is on Italy.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of primary and secondary materials in the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through a seminar presentation, seminar discussion, and the completion of a research essay;

• demonstrate their ability to understand another society's social, ethical and cultural contexts.

A seminar presentation of 1000 words 20% (due the week of the presentation) and a 4000-word research essay 80% (due end of semester).

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester.