HS2P87-Period in Modern History: Art, Intellect and Culture: a history of modernity in twentieth-century Europe
Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Terms in which taught: Autumn or Spring
Module Convenor:
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: HS2K87
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9
Aims:
Periods involve the study of substantial chronological periods. They aim to acquaint students with the causes and consequences of continuity and change over the long term in the political, social, economic and cultural systems under study. Periods are distinguished as Medieval, Early Modern or Modern.
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
• identify and explain the main issues and events studied
• appraise critically the primary sources and historical interpretations of the subject
• think comparatively about aspects of British, European or American history over a substantial period
• assess the nature of social, economic, political and cultural change
• organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing, both under timed conditions and in assessed essays.
Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the student’s effectiveness in group situations. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources and databases.
Outline content:
This course is a cultural and intellectual history of Europe in the twentieth century. In this course we shall seek to understand what “modern” and “modernity” is by looking at how they are interpreted by cultural and social movements from Italy, Russia, Switzerland, France, Germany and Britain that comment on societal development. Some of the movements we shall cover are: Futurism; Constructivism; Dadaism; and Neo-Realism. We shall also look at German propaganda posters and films in the Second World War, at the arts and cultural movements of 1968 and at identity politics in the New Britain of the 1980s. Our course will conclude on the riot-stricken streets of Paris in the banlieue as we discuss the appearance of “ethnicity” in France through a study of “Culture Beur”, a protest subculture established by second-generation Franco-Maghrebians living on the outskirts of Paris and other major French cities. Our final session will debate meanings of modernity, the modern and what “society” is in Europe today.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Seminars, requiring preparatory reading and investigation, may include informal and interactive presentations by the module teacher; structured group discussion; short seminar papers by students; occasional tutorials; team-based simulation exercises and debates; examination of primary and secondary sources. Students are expected to carry out self-directed revision in the Summer term. Staff will be available for consultation as necessary
Contact hours:
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | |||
| Tutorials/seminars | 30 | ||
| Practicals | |||
| Other contact (eg study visits) | |||
| Total hours | 30 | ||
| Number of essays or assignments | 1 | ||
| Other (eg major seminar paper) | see above |
Assessment:
Coursework
Students will be required to write one essay of 2,500 words to be handed in to the Part 2 secretary in the History office in week 8, and by 12 noon on Friday of that week at the latest.
Relative percentage of coursework
33%
Examinations
One two-hour paper requiring two answers to be taken at the time of the Part 2 examinations.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in September. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted by 1 September.