University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 11.00 am - 1.00 pm Wed

Objects appear and disappear in the political lives of Eurasia but are rarely analysed in detail. Why do Eurasian nations argue about historical artefacts? Why do groups tear down monuments? How do functional objects such as bridges acquire deep historical value? When do everyday objects acquire political meaning? The module argues that the study of Eurasian politics needs to incorporate the material into its analysis and the study of objects in turn needs to take more seriously their political content. This content is not essentialised but is forever changing in relation to its subject and interpreter. The module encourages students to take a quite different range of objects, from the everyday examples of cigarettes or the telephone to ones of practical use such as bridges and canal pipes to those of aesthetic value such as a painting through to ones of overtly political ideology, such as public monuments.It is assessed through a variety of innovative techniques and approaches.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour seminars.

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework (including presentation, 15%, Class Test 30%) = 100%

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

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor S N Cummings
Module teaching staff: Prof S Cummings