Re-Defining the Early Modern
An analogy would not address the disconnect in periodization between conceptualizing the medieval period and the early modern period. In this case, we know students come into the classroom with misconceptions, but an analogy would not be the route I would go to address the challenges associated with this prior knowledge. How I would set up this activity, is I would encourage learners to define what they think early modern means in history. I would then work collaboratively work with them to develop a timeline of events that fall within the context of early modern. Then, I would have them return to their definition and modify it based on their in-class learning. This would promote a non-judgmental examination of their previous knowledge while also encouraging a critical reflection of their new learning. This activity would provide stronger beginning and end dates for folks to distinguish between the medieval and early modern period.
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