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MO3329   The Kaiser: Aspects of Emperor Wilhelm II (1859 - 1941)

Academic year(s): 2017-2018

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: See http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/history/infoug/ugtimetable

Revered as the 'modern central person' or described as simply insane, Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859 - 1941) played a central and highly visible role on the European political stage. Over the last 25 years the fascination this mercurial and deeply problematic ruler held for his contemporaries has been echoed by a large body of sophisticated historical scholarship. Focusing on Wilhelm's personality and his politics as well as on the context and structure of his reign, historians have explored the importance of key issues such as psychological trauma, disease, media, publicity, scandal, monarchial networks, modern kingship and political culture. This module will examine selected aspects of the life of Wilhelm II in order to arrive at an analytical evaluation of this individual and his impact as well as of the wider political and cultural world which he inhabited.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass at least 60 credits from {MO1007, MO1008, MO2008, HI2001, MH2002}

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour seminar, plus 1 office hour.

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 278

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 24-hour Take-Home Examination = 60%, Coursework = 40%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 60%
Practical examinations : 16%
Coursework: 24%

Re-assessment: 4,000- to 5,000-word essay = 100%

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Prof F L Muller