University of Glasgow

This course explores the global impact of economic phenomenon and social change in the advanced economies from the First World War to the present day. It introduces students to major themes including the causes of economic growth and recession, the sources of social change, and the impact of war on society and the economy in an international framework. The course charts the crises of the inter-war period: the Great Depression, mass unemployment, and the rise of fascism and communism, as well as the development of mass leisure and the growth of a consumer society. The course also explores the prolonged boom following the Second World War, a time of conspicuous consumption but also of commitment to social welfare, both of which fueled the sexual revolution and youth culture across national borders. The course then explores the impact of globalization following the oil crisis of 1973 and subsequent instability, and looks at developing nations and environmental concerns in the later decades of the 20th century. The emphasis on contemporary and international history enables students to understand the experience of their own society and economy more fully in the light of global and long-term trends. 

The course traces key critical approaches to film and television audiences. Starting with an exploration of 'apparatus theory' and understandings of the cinema-goer as 'spectator', classes then examine challenges to these models, and the emergence of scholarship around 'social' audiences and historically-contingent viewing practices. 

In this course, students chose from a range of research topics in various academic fields and receive one-on-one training from an experienced mentor who helps them refine research ideas, formulate questions, define methods of data collection, execute a plan, and present findings. Students learn how to review background information to their project, summarize its key outcomes, write a clear and concise research paper/report, and present results orally.

This practical and theoretical course explores debates about the value of creative arts in engaging with aspects of Scottish history. Focusing on recent theoretical perspectives on 'multiple relations with the past', the course involve students making creative outputs on an aspect of Scottish history (either individually or in groups) and reflecting on their own practice. The course is co-taught by staff from the School of Culture and Creative Arts and the School of Humanities, thereby seeking to develop new ways of learning and teaching through an interdisciplinary approach.