Material Culture in the Pre-Modern World (V4092)

15 credits, Level 5

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll examine key developments in the art and visual and material culture of Europe and Asia before 1500. You’ll focus on material culture and objects, and the roles these play in:

  • society
  • culture
  • politics
  • power.

Objects are a powerful lens for examining unwritten histories. You’ll examine how objects were:

  • made
  • transported
  • used
  • destroyed.

This will help you understand transnational histories, both on a macro and micro scale.

You’ll explore labour histories and trade by analysing how things are made through the study of raw materials and technologies. You’ll also explore the uses of material culture for power and self-advertisment, as well the role it plays in the materialisation of identity and in self expression. How these objects were preserved, or destroyed, is also key to understanding the power they held.

You’ll develop skills in using a wide range of materials, and in understanding historical processes that have shaped contemporary Eurasia. The key works are addressed in a variety of social and cultural contexts, ranging from small villages to major world capitals, and through a range of theoretical lenses.

Topics include:

  • making and manufacture
  • trade and empire
  • art and power
  • gender and class
  • materiality.

Employability and career readiness are developed through:

  • presentations
  • writing and research skills
  • collaborative seminar discussions
  • continued engagement with material relevant to visual literacy
  • thinking about objects and decoding skills.

 

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: