Dalhousie University

Overview

The Early Modern Studies program at Dalhousie University offers a comprehensive exploration of how ideas, art, science, and politics influenced the world from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment. This Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree cultivates critical and interpretive skills through a diverse curriculum focused on culture, gender, religion, and intellectual history.

• Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Discipline focus: Early modern history, culture, and intellectual traditions
• Study options: Honours subject, minor, or elective courses
• Delivery: On-campus
• Credits: Structured with a mix of elective and required courses
• Language of instruction: English
• Application: Apply through Dalhousie University’s undergraduate admissions portal

What you'll study

The BA in Early Modern Studies is designed to provide flexibility while fulfilling Dalhousie’s degree requirements. Students can choose between honours, minors, or electives, allowing for a curriculum that blends core themes with a variety of course options spanning history, literature, philosophy, and cultural studies.

Sample course themes may include:

• 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

How you progress:

• Core learning: Develop foundational knowledge of early modern intellectual and cultural debates.
• Electives: Select courses that align with your interests, such as art history, gender studies, religion, and philosophy.
• Honours/minor pathways: If you pursue honours or a minor, additional requirements will apply based on your academic pathway.

For the most accurate and up-to-date curriculum, consult the official program and course listings.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet Dalhousie’s minimum academic criteria for undergraduate study along with specific program requirements. Admission is competitive, and meeting minimum standards does not guarantee acceptance.

• Minimum overall average: 70%
• Secondary school completion: Grade 12 (or equivalent)
• English requirement: Grade 12 English (or equivalent course)
• Additional academic subjects: Four additional academic subjects

For applicants from different educational systems, Dalhousie may require grade conversion or additional documentation. Refer to the admissions portal for details relevant to your country or educational background.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Early Modern Studies program can pursue a variety of career paths in fields such as education, research, cultural institutions, and public service. The critical thinking and analytical skills developed during the program are valuable assets in many professional settings.