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MO4936   Bismarck: Biography - Politics - Mythology

Academic year(s): 2019-2020

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 60

ECTS credits : 30

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: Full Year

Availability restrictions: Available only to students in the second year of the Honours Programme.

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

A celebrated history of Germany accorded Otto von Bismarck almost biblical status. The book opens with a thunderous: 'In the beginning was Bismarck'. An opinion poll published by the 'Berlin Illustrated News' in 1899 declared him the greatest statesman of the century. This module aims to approach, understand and evaluate the life, career and personality of this alleged giant. Scrutinising a large selection of primary sources and drawing on a rich body of sophisticated secondary literature, we will try to appreciate Bismarck both as a shaper and a product of his time. Consideration will also be given to Bismarck's legacy in European and German politics as well as his role and function in the pantheon of Germany's political iconography.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 3-hour seminar, plus 1 office hour.

Scheduled learning hours: 66

Guided independent study hours: 534

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2 x 2-hour Written Examinations = 40%, Coursework = 60%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 40%
Practical examinations : 25%
Coursework: 35%

Re-assessment: New Coursework: 1 x source exercise (2,500 words) and 1 x 5,000-word essay = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr C Kreklau
Module teaching staff: Dr C Kreklau
Module coordinator email ck230@st-andrews.ac.uk