Module manager: Dr Katie Carpenter
Email: K.Carpenter@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Dinosaur bones. Body parts in jars. Mummified remains. 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. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
Drawing on museums and heritage in Leeds and beyond, the objective of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the history of 1753 to 1851 through an examination of material culture. Lectures and seminars introduce particular case studies and provide opportunities to develop critical thinking skills, while the practicals will focus on helping you develop relevant skills and tools.
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Critically assess key aspects of the history of Britain from c. 1753 to c. 1851.
2. Interpret objects as part of historical research.
3. Identify and curate a selection of objects relating to collections mad in Georgian and Victorian England.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Effectively communicate historical information and ideas to public audiences.
5. Critically analyse and synthesise sources of information.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Lecture | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Practical | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Seminar | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Private study hours | 179.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
For the magazine article, you will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your choice of object and a bibliography either via email or in office hours. You will receive either written or verbal feedback, depending on your preference.
For the object catalogue, you will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your choice of topic and title, selection of objects, and a bibliography. You will receive either written or verbal feedback, depending on your preference. Students will also receive verbal, in-person feedback on a practice exhibition made in groups in one of the practicals.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Magazine article | 40 |
| Coursework | Object catalogue | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 29/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team