HS1238: Building the Modern World

School History
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS1238
External Subject Code 100310
Number of Credits 20
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Professor Judi Loach
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2015/6

Outline Description of Module

This module looks at how the modern world was literally as well as metaphorically ‘built’, usually in response to practical demands but often as an attempt to realise utopian visions.  It uses the material evidence of the built environment to complement written sources in a re-examination of the ‘short twentieth century’ (in this case from the First World War to the ‘seventies).  Conversely, situating such – often commonplace – material within its contemporary context will equally enable the critical appraisal of this particular type of material evidence, often misunderstood or even disregarded in standard histories.  While mainly focusing on British examples, it will also look overseas, albeit mainly to the continent and North America, with some consideration of the impact upon developments in, and by, the British Commonwealth.  Beginning from an awareness of increasing industrialisation and urbanisation across Europe and North America in the late nineteenth century and and (often visionary) reactions to this, this module will examine the period in terms of themes of international relevance. It will take account of the roles played on the one hand of ideologies – of both politicians and designers – and on the other of pragmatic demands and constraints – notably availability of finance, materials and technologies – in order to explain how the ‘Modern World’ came to be built the way that it was.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

On successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

 

  • demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of key topics and examples in twentieth-century architecture and planning, and an ability to place them in their wider historical and historiographical context
  • demonstrate a comprehensive critical understanding of such concepts as […];
  • discuss with reference to the primary and secondary material selected topics such as […]
  • understand the specialist vocabularies and constructional techniques widely deployed in architectural and planning histories;
  • demonstrate an ability to analyse critically  relevant primary sources, including plans and other types of technical drawings, photographs, related textual materials, and buildings, and to understand their significance;
  • apply that understanding of the nature of primary sources and their significance;
  • elucidate and evaluate the relative merits of a range of interpretations relevant to particular issues;
  • formulate and justify their own arguments and conclusions;
  • demonstrate an ability to modify as well as to defend their own position;

present their analyses clearly and concisely both in written and oral answers

How the module will be delivered

How the module will be delivered

A range of teaching methods will be used in each of the sessions of the course, comprising a combination of lectures and seminar discussion of major issues. The syllabus is divided into a series of major course themes, then sub-divided into principal topics for the study of each theme.

 

Lectures:

The aim of the lectures is to provide a brief introduction to a particular topic, establishing the salient features of major course themes, identifying key issues and providing historiographical guidance. The lectures will provide a basic framework for understanding and should be thought of as useful starting points for further discussion and individual study. Where appropriate, handouts and other materials may be distributed to reinforce the material discussed.

 

Seminars:

The primary aim of seminars will be to generate debate and discussion amongst course participants. Seminars for each of the course topics will provide an opportunity for students to analyse and further discuss key issues and topics relating to lectures.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • an ability to communicate ideas and arguments effectively, whether in class discussion or in written form, in an accurate, succinct and lucid manner.
  • an ability to formulate and justify arguments and conclusions about a range of issues, and present appropriate supporting evidence
  • an ability to modify as well as to defend their own position.
  • an  ability to think critically and challenge assumptions
  • an ability to use a range of information technology resources to assist with information retrieval and assignment presentation.
  • time management skills and an ability to independently organise individual study methods and workload.
  • an ability to work effectively with others as part of a team or group in seminar or tutorial discussions. 

How the module will be assessed

Assessed coursewrok - to be agreed with module tutor

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 100 Building The Modern World N/A

Syllabus content

Syllabus content

 

The module will cover a range of topics, such as:

  • reactions to the industrialised city, notably the need for, and development of, service networks (transportation, water and sewerage, gas and electricity)
  • visions for a quasi-utopian future, and fragmentary realisations
  • the reasons why the hygienist movement developed and its impact on planning and on building design
  • the birth and development of the discipline of (city/regional) planning, and the role initially played by architects
  • the synthesis of the arts
  • internationalism (as opposed to nationalism or globalism), and the exchange of ideas, images and qualified professionals
  • the role played by media – including general and specialist press, exhibitions, film and radio - in propagating information and propaganda
  • the impact of new forms of transport, notably the private car, the liner and passenger aeroplanes
  • changes in the relationship between town and country
  • the influence of émigrés in spreading ideas and practices across national borders
  • the rise of welfare states
  • the effect of systems of virtual communication, such as telephone and telegraph
  • the impact of the changing role of women in society
  • the recognition of the value of heritage

Essential Reading and Resource List

Indicative Reading List:

 

Nicholas Bullock, Building the post-war world: modern architecture and reconstruction in Britain (London, Routledge, 2008)

Peter Clarke, Hope and Glory: Britain, 1900-1990 (Penguin, 1996)

Mark Crinson, Modern architecture and the end of empire (Aldershot, Ashgate, 2003)

Maurice Crouzet, The European Renaissance since 1945 (London, Thames & Hudson, 1970)

Norman Davies, Europe, a history (London, Pimlico, 1997)

Kenneth Frampton, Modern architecture, a critical history (London, Thames and Hudson, 1980; 4th edn, 2007)

Miles Glendinning and Stefan Muthesius, Tower block: modern public housing in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (New Haven & London, Yale University Press, 1994)

John Gold, The Experience of Modernism: modern architects and the future city, 192853 (London, E. & F.N. Spon/Routledge, 1997)

John Gold, The Practice of Modernism: modern architects and urban transformation, 1954-72 (London, Routledge, 2007)

Eric Hobsbawm, The age of extremes: The short twentieth century, 1914-1995 (Michael Joseph, 1995)

Anthony Jackson, The politics of architecture, a history of modern architecture in Britain (London, Architectural Press, 1970)

JM Richards, An introduction to modern architecture (Harmondsworth, Penguin, 1940; revised 1953 and 1963)


Copyright Cardiff University. Registered charity no. 1136855