Transformations in Europe 15th-18th Centuries

Hillary Rodriguez, Trinity University

Abstract

This unit covers the major transformations in Europe from the 15^th century to the 18^th century. The unit includes the Renaissance, Reformation, Scientific Revolution, and Enlightenment. After background information is provided to students via flipped instruction videos, students will examine each of the four movements in detail during class time through the stories of important “thinkers” associated with each movement. At the end of the unit, students will create a presentation which shows the impact of an assigned thinker from one of the movements on the world today. The essential questions:

Can one person have a significant impact on history?

When should one break with tradition?

How do new ideas change the world?

Will be continuously discussed and the answers refined throughout the unit. Through the study of this unit, students will not only have a clear understanding of the causes and events of these four major units, but they will also understand that individuals can have an impact on history, the decision to break with tradition varies according to circumstances, and there are some ideas that are truly revolutionary and that can continue to influence the world.