2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

HIST2595 Curiosities and Monstrosities: Stuff on Display in Britain, c. 1753-1851

20 creditsClass Size: 32

Module manager: Dr Katie Carpenter
Email: K.Carpenter@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

HIST2050

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Dinosaur bones. Gravestones. Body parts in jars. In this module, we explore an eclectic range of things that were collected, made, or discovered in Britain. From the founding of the British Museum to the Great Exhibition, all kinds of ‘stuff’ was put on display in British culture. Many are still on display today. Using this material culture as a starting point, we explore the significance of objects to uncover the values which the Victorians and Georgians held dear. As we traverse through the museums of the past, we visit galleries crammed with the spoils of war, medical schools filled with the diseased specimens of eccentric anatomists, and great halls jam-packed with deceased animals, stuffed and preserved for eternity. We exit via the gift shop. Content Note: Topics on this module may include content related to: colonialism; violence; racism; enslavement; death; disease; dissection; decomposition; and animal cruelty.

Objectives

Drawing on museums and heritage in Leeds and beyond, the objective of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the social and cultural history of 1753 to 1851 through an examination of material culture.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will have:
1. Demonstrated an understanding of material culture as a method to explore the social and cultural history of Britain, c. 1753-1851
2. Developed skills in research and analysis of material culture including familiarisation with museum collection databases
3. Applied their skills in material culture research
4. Critically assessed the representation of history in public through museums and heritage sites
5. Demonstrated the ability to apply fundamental standards and practices of historical study for research, discussion, and assessed work.

Syllabus

Lectures and seminars will introduce important themes from this period, with a particular focus on a relevant object or heritage site. Indicative topics may include: ancient Egypt; India; cemeteries; medical museums; the slave trade; dinosaurs; and taxidermy. Students may be introduced to different ways of approaching objects such as object biographies and material analysis.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	9	1.00	9.00
Practical	2	2.00	4.00
Seminar	9	1.00	9.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will receive feedback via seminar discussion and office hours as well as on each of their blogs. Students will need to confirm their exhibition theme and objects with the tutor by week 10.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Portfolio	A mini-exhibition of objects with 600 words of interpretation and an accompanying 1800- word essay	60.00
Written Work	2000 word object magazine article	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 18/10/2024

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