Delivery method: Online learning with tutor support.

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.

Course Description

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.

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.