MO3329 The Kaiser: Aspects of Emperor Wilhelm II (1859 - 1941)
Academic year
2026 to 2027 Semester 2
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
30
SCQF level
SCQF level 9
Planned timetable
TBC
Module Staff
Professor Frank Muller
Module description
Revered by some as the "modern central person" or described by others as simply insane or a ruthless warmonger, Germany's Emperor Wilhelm II (1859 - 1941) played a central and highly visible role on the European political stage. The fascination and revulsion generated by this mercurial and deeply problematic ruler was not only felt by his contemporaries but has been echoed by a large body of sophisticated historical scholarship. Focusing on Kaiser Wilhelm's personality and his politics as well as on the context of his reign, historians have explored the importance of key issues such as psychological trauma, media, publicity, scandal, monarchical networks, modern kingship and political culture. This module will examine selected aspects of the life of Kaiser Bill in order to arrive at an analytical evaluation of this individual ruler and his impact as well as of the wider political and cultural world which he inhabited, shaped, and reflected.
Relationship to other modules
Pre-requisites
BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS AT LEAST 60 CREDITS FROM {MO1007, MO1008, MO2008, HI2001, MH2002}
Assessment pattern
Coursework = 100%
Re-assessment
4,000-word essay = 100%
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
1 x 2-hour seminar, plus 1 office hour.
Scheduled learning hours
20
Guided independent study hours
280