Course Catalogue

Dada In Switzerland And Germany HISTART5011

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course examines the origins of Dada in Zurich during the First World War and its subsequent development in Berlin during the period of the collapse of the German empire and the November Revolution. Aspects of Dada in other centres (Cologne, Hannover etc.) are also considered.

Timetable

Two hours per week. Lecture and seminar.

Requirements of Entry

Standard entry to Masters at College level

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Video Podcast - 10 minutes plus 300-word reflection - 50%

■ Practical Project and Reflection - 50%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ Written plan, visual and text script and editing/software plan as an alternative to the video podcast

■ There is no alternative to the practical project and reflection, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Course Aims

This course aims to:

- examine the origins and development of Dada in Switzerland and Germany over the period ca. 1914-1924.

- situate Dada in relation to the key political ideas, events and movements of the period.

- examine in detail selected key works of the period, in a range of media.

- evaluate current and recent critical approaches to Dada.

- trace the links between Dada and relevant theories of modernity and of art in relation to proletarian culture.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

On completion of the course, students should be able to:

Discuss critically and distinguish between the work of various Dadaists under the differing conditions in Switzerland and Germany.

Explain the historical and political factors that were relevant for Dada's development.

Analyse relevant works (both text and image) in detail and to an appropriate critical standard.

Critically assess a range of recent and current approaches to Dada.

Articulate their knowledge of and views on Dada in both verbal and written form to an appropriate academic standard.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions