Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27
This course provides an opportunity to examine 'icons': great figures past and present that are part of our cultural, intellectual, political and religious vocabulary, helping us to narrate our lives. Stripping away the myths and popular understandings, how, where and why did such figures originate? A key aim is for students to take one such figure and explore critically the icon's biography, historical origins or cultural derivations. Examples may include prominent figures in history or contemporary culture, such as Marilyn Monroe, Hitler, Michelangelo, Napoleon, Elizabeth I, Darwin and Buddha. Download course guide
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Old Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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Course Aims
This course provides an opportunity to examine ?icons?: great figures past and present that are part of our cultural, intellectual, political and religious vocabulary, helping us to narrate our lives. Stripping away the myths and popular understandings, how, where and why did such figures originate? A key aim is for students to take one such figure and explore critically the icon's biography, historical origins or cultural derivations. Examples may include prominent figures in history or contemporary culture, such as Marilyn Monroe, Hitler, Michelangelo, Napoleon, Elizabeth I, Darwin and Buddha.
Main Learning Outcomes
By researching, discussing with a supervisor, and writing a critical account of the origins of their chosen icon, students will demonstrate:
Course Content
The course will begin with a short series of lectures discussing: the term 'icon' in historical, art-historical, religious and other contexts; the strengths, pitfalls and paradoxes of history restricted to 'great figures'; issues surrounding the exploration of ?icons? including life-writing, self-representation in texts and visual media; the construction of myths. Lectures will then consider how, in practice, icons might be investigated and discussed in a critical account of their origins. Students will select their icon from a broad range of figures proposed by the course team. Students may, in consultation with the course co-ordinator, choose an icon not on the list. The MyAberdeen site will include examples of how to construct a critical account.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
1st Attempt
One 3000-word essay.
Resit
One 3000-word essay on a different icon, to be agreed with course co-ordinator.
One 800-word outline, with key bibliography of texts and sources, submitted online, and returned by supervisor with written feedback.
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