MO4936 Bismarck: Biography - Politics - Mythology

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Full Year

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

60

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

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

Planned timetable

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr C Kreklau

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr C Kreklau

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

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.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

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

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 3-hour seminar, plus 1 office hour.

Scheduled learning hours

66

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

534

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.