The interwar years (1918-1939), while dealing with the aftermath of hitherto unknown mass destruction and the advent of totalitarian systems, were nevertheless characterised by an exceptional vibrancy across various fields of cultural activity - music, theatre, and the fine arts. This course will discuss and evaluate these practices in various national contexts and in relation to a number of critical approaches. As a School wide Honours course it will draw on research strengths from colleagues in different subject areas.

7 sessions of 3 hours duration.

None

Essay (2,500 words) - 50%
Seminar presentation of 10 minutes + 5 minute discussion - 50%

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ Introduce students to histories of various aspects of interwar cultural practices in theatre, music, arts, architecture, etc. as well as to the related fields in history, politics, and sociology;

■ Encourage critical exploration of concepts and practices of culture and discourses around the arts with specific regard to the historical moments in which these theories and practices were formulated;

■ Develop interdisciplinary analytic and research skills for students to examine cultural practices in interwar societies.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Critically analyse key issues of interwar culture and apply theories and models of cultural practices;

■ Analyse how interwar culture might relate to and inform wider discourses around culture, politics, and economics;

■ Present ideas critically, clearly and coherently in an academic essay, developing well-structured arguments, and observing the disciplines of referencing, footnoting and bibliography;

■ Produce and deliver a presentation on a chosen subject within the parameters of the course that stimulates group discussion and facilitates and encourages further study.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.