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The Body and Society in Early Modern Europe

Key information

  • Module code:

    7AAH2026

  • Level:

    7

  • Semester:

      Autumn

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

Early modern bodies were defined by their social and cultural contexts. Medical discourse, moral reform, popular culture and collective identities shaped a distinctively pre-modern body, made up of humours and fluxes, mutable and sometimes magical. This module brings together perspectives from social, cultural, medical and gender history, together with a range of original sources, to examine the relationship between bodies and their social and cultural context. A thematic approach includes topics such as the making of race; popular medicine; sexuality; manners and gesture; sexual knowledge and reproduction. Most of the material is European but we look towards global contexts and connections; essays can range widely. Alongside the critical interrogation of a fast-moving historiography, we will discover how to read a range of primary sources for the body's hidden histories. 

Assessment details

1 x 3,500 words essay (100%)

Teaching pattern

10 x 2 hour seminars (weekly)

Subject areas

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.