University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 11.00 am - 1.00 pm Tue (lecture)

Medieval Christians believed that the End Times were imminent, though the questions of where, when, and how remained up for debate. The concept of Apocalypse still maintains an outsized role in secular culture today, from zombie movies to climate change activism. In this module, students will learn about the iconographic traditions associated with the Book of Revelation, and be able to contextualise this imagery within both orthodox and popular beliefs in the Middle Ages. They will also examine the ways in which prophecy, monstrosity, and eschatological expectation, all core elements of the Christian apocalyptic tradition, have been appropriated to support different social, political, and religious agendas from the Middle Ages to the present. Lectures and tutorials for the final four weeks will specifically explore postmedieval resonances of apocalyptic imagery, from the Reformation to the Second World War. The module will conclude by investigating the power of apocalyptic performance.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass AH2001 and pass AH2002

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour lecture (x 11 weeks); 1 x 1-hour seminar (x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 33

Guided independent study hours: 280

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 100%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 0%

Re-assessment: 1 x Written Assignment to be agreed by the Board of Examiners

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor K M Rudy
Module teaching staff: Dr E Savage