Early Modern Studies (BA)
Explore the history and culture of the early modern period.
Why choose this program?
What was life like in the age of da Vinci? What is the basis of our understanding of concepts such as nature, romance, freedom, and originality? What ideas underlay such important moments in history as the Renaissance, the Enlightenment and the French Revolution? Early Modern Studies explores these questions and much more.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12
Four additional academic subjects
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.Ìý
Program options
This program can be taken as an honours subject, a minor, or simply offers some exciting elective courses. It’s been specifically designed to be paired with a subject at pilipiliÂþ». Not only does this further encourage both Dal and King’s students to think critically and across disciplines, but you’ll also graduate with a joint degree from both institutions.
The following Early Modern Studies program options are offered by pilipiliÂþ»â€™s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  
Bachelor of Arts with Combined Honours in Early Modern SciencesÌý
Bachelor of Science with Early Modern Sciences as a second subjectÌý
Minor in Early Modern Studies
What you will learn
You’ll encounter ground-breaking art and artists like Shakespeare, Mozart, and Michelangelo and assess the significance of witchcraft, vampires, and maritime piracy. You’ll learn to think critically about colonialism and the impact of interactions between Europe and the wider world, and how shifting ideas about religion and science have changed the way we understand our place in the universe.
Sample courses may include:
Structures of the Modern Self I
Violence and Wonder: Baroque Art
Endless Romance
Women and Gender in Early Modern Science
Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe
The Body in Early Modern Europe
The Ideal World of Enlightenment: Desire and Freedom
Kant and Radical Evil
Atheism in Early Modern Europe
Conceptions of State, Society and Revolution in the Early Modern Period I
Nature and Romanticism
Newton and Newtonianism
You will be encouraged to relate aspects of early modern thought and culture to one another and to develop independent insights into the nature of this historical period.Ìý
Careers
Early Modern Studies grads go on to engage in challenging and intriguing work, within academia and far beyond. From law to theatre to business innovation, the critical and creative thinking you’ll practice pays off.
Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in Arts, or a degree in Law.
