Module manager: Dr Sara Barker
Email: s.k.barker@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The emergence of the printing press in the mid-fifteenth century is often seen to be one of the seismic changes in Western society. Over the early modern period, books went from being the preserve of the rich and elite institutions to items accessible to people at most levels of society. New genres emerged, and individual authors could achieve great fame – for some, it became possible to make a decent living by writing. Printed books and pamphlets became central for the exchange of ideas: print was crucial to the spread of the Reformation in the sixteenth century and to the emergence of new scientific ideas and practices in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. At the same time, literacy rates grew, attitudes to education changed and more people became aware of and engaged with changing cultural and political ideas – what has been termed the ‘transformation of the public sphere’. In this module, you will examine the impact of printing and book production on early modern Europe from a number of angles. You will look at the technology and business of printing, how books were produced and sold. You will examine the material culture of the book. You will look at the kinds of books and other printed matter that was produced, and the ways people received and used these items. You will think about the impact print had on early modern society and if there are useful parallels in contemporary society. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The objectives of this module are:
- To assess the impact of the development of printing on early modern European life.
- To explore contemporary reactions to the emergence of printing.
- To evaluate key historiographical and methodological developments in relation to the history of printing and the book.
- To critically analyse a range of primary sources, both written and visual, digital and physical, relating to these issues.
- To formulate sophisticated and nuanced arguments in relation to these issues, in written and verbal form.
- To further develop generic transferrable and subject specific skills.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Analyse the scholarship from history and other relevant disciplines relating to the role of printing and books in early modern European society.
2. Critically assess the way books were produced, sold and used in early modern Europe.
3. Identify and evaluate key historical figures and primary sources relating to the early modern print trade.
4. Evaluate and explain the impact books and printing had on European society.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Effectively communicate complex historical ideas.
6. Critically evaluate and engage in scholarly debate.
7. Develop appropriate and creative written and oral outputs to communicate research findings.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Supervision | 2 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Seminar | 20 | 2 | 40 |
| Private study hours | 355.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 44.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
Students will be given informal feedback on specific tasks relating to weekly seminar preparation and participation.
For the essay, students will be given the chance to submit an annotated essay plan and they will be given feedback on this.
In class work and preparatory tasks throughout the year will require students to practice analysing primary and secondary sources, and to find their own materials using prompts and guidance from the tutor. Students will be asked to submit a plan for their portfolio work before the end of the spring term, and will be given chance in class to practice presenting information about historical figures.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Coursework | Portfolio | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 20/04/2026
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