Module descriptions for our postgraduate programme Cultural Heritage of Shakespeare's England MA.
Visual and Material Culture of Shakespeare’s England
This module examines the visual and material culture of Shakespeare’s England, with particular emphasis on the buildings, interiors and collections in Stratford-upon-Avon. It offers a broad introduction to the art, artefacts and buildings of early modern England and explores their practical and symbolic functions within the society that produced them. It also assesses the significance of the physical remnants of the period for the critical understanding, interpretation and presentation of the history and culture of Shakespeare’s England. The course includes study trips to buildings and collections in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Visual and Material Culture: Theories and Methods
This module provides an introduction to recent literature in the interdisciplinary fields of visual and material culture. It introduces a range of theories and research methodologies relating to the study of visual and material culture in all periods and across several disciplines, but with a particular focus on the early modern period. This provides a theoretical and methodological framework for further research and / or applied curatorial practice.
Principles and Ethics of Heritage Management
This module provides a grounding in the core values of the professional heritage industry. Topics covered include Museum ethics, Heritage organizations (international, national, regional, local), fundraising and diversification of revenue sources, marketing, heritage education and special events, interpretation and education in the museums environment, using objects / collections, oral history and live interpretation.
Work Placement
This is a one-term placement with a heritage organisation to work on a specific project within the subject area of the cultural heritage of Shakespeare’s England. The placement provides opportunity for first-hand study of material culture, and/or the built environment allowing the development of applied research skills as well as practical training and experience for historical research and professional work in the museums and heritage sector.
Shakespeare’s Legacy
This module considers the interpretation and cultural appropriation of Shakespeare's plays from the seventeenth century to the present day. Attention is given to changes and developments in theatrical practice and shifts in cultural attitudes towards Shakespeare and his work that informs an understanding of performance trends and the emergence of Shakespeare as cultural icon. Plays considered include some or all of King Lear, The Tempest, Macbeth, The Merchant of Venice, Othello, King John, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Measure for Measure.
Research Skills
This module provides skills training and will introduce a range of research, library and generic skills that will be applicable to your research experience as well as subject-specific training towards your work placement and final research project, including palaeography, the use of early modern documents and skills in the study of art and architecture.
Research Project
The research project gives you the chance to follow up topics of particular interest, with the opportunity to study original materials held in the Birthplace Trust Collections. You are able to choose the format of your research project, which is a unique feature of the programme. You can complete a 12,000 word dissertation which relates to the historical or literary culture of the period OR there are opportunities for presenting research in different media, such as an audio-visual presentation supported by a written defence.
Disclaimer
Modules and courses are constantly updated and under review. As with most academic programmes, please remember that it is possible that a module may not be offered in any particular year, for instance because a member of staff is on study leave or too few students opt for it. The University of Birmingham reserves the right to vary or withdraw any course or module.