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Early Modern World
The Bachelor of Arts in Early Modern World at Brown University offers students a deep exploration of the historical transformations that shaped the globe between the 15th and 18th centuries. This period witnessed the rise of global empires, scientific revolutions, and the interconnection of continents through trade, exploration, and conflict. The program provides a nuanced understanding of how cultural, political, and intellectual developments during this era laid the groundwork for the modern world, focusing on both European and non-European regions.
Students examine a wide range of sources, from archival documents to visual media, and develop analytical skills in historical interpretation, critical thinking, and academic writing. The interdisciplinary curriculum incorporates perspectives from history, literature, art, and philosophy, encouraging students to investigate how global movements and local experiences intersected. With opportunities for original research, guided mentorship, and thematic seminars, the program fosters an understanding of historical complexity and prepares students for meaningful engagement with contemporary global challenges through a historical lens.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Early Modern World
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: Brown University, United States
- Field of Study: History
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Global History
- Introduction to Early Modern History
- Mapping the Early Modern World
- Historical Thinking and Method
- European Expansion and Colonial Encounters
Year 2 – Political and Cultural Transformations
- Reformations and Religious Conflict
- Rise of Atlantic Empires
- History of Science in Early Modernity
- Art, Power, and Identity
Year 3 – Thematic and Comparative Perspectives
- Slavery and Resistance in the Early Modern Era
- Intellectual Movements and Scientific Thought
- Trade, Migration, and Cultural Exchange
- Research Seminar: Comparative Histories
Year 4 – Capstone and Specialization
- Senior Thesis in Early Modern Studies
- Advanced Topics in Global History
- Seminar on Material Culture and Archives
- Elective: Early Modern Asia or Middle East
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Early Modern World program acquire valuable skills in critical analysis, research, and historical interpretation, which open doors to various professional fields. Many pursue careers in education, museum curation, archives, or historical consulting, where their expertise in contextualizing complex global systems is highly sought after. Others find roles in journalism, policy analysis, publishing, and cultural preservation. The program also provides a strong academic foundation for graduate studies in history, international relations, or law. By emphasizing cross-cultural understanding and long-term historical thinking, it equips students to contribute meaningfully to institutions that value global awareness, ethical reasoning, and the ability to synthesize diverse perspectives across time and place.
Why Choose This Program
Brown University’s Early Modern World program offers a rare opportunity to engage with a transformative period in global history through an interdisciplinary, comparative, and research-oriented approach. The flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their studies to specific regions or themes while benefiting from close faculty mentorship and access to rich academic resources. Small seminars, primary source analysis, and archival work encourage students to think deeply and critically about the roots of contemporary issues. With a strong emphasis on global interconnectedness and cultural complexity, this program provides the intellectual foundation and methodological tools to understand the modern world’s origins and to explore the forces that continue to shape it today.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 401 863 1000
Email: admissions@brown.edu
Address: University of Brown, Providence, RI 02912, United States
