Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Critically evaluate the political and ethical implications of contemporary cultural issues
Demonstrate systematic understanding of and ability to apply and critically evaluate a range of contemporary cultural theories
Undertake cultural analysis drawing on contemporary cultural theory and appropriate research methods
Research and present an academic essay making critical use of a range of appropriate sources

Content:

The module explores contemporary cultural issues and examines ways in which they can be understood and engaged with. This involves an examination of: social norms and values; cultural change; media representations; and the politics of culture. Central to the module will be questions regarding power, truth and knowledge.

The following list of topics forms an indicative syllabus: multiculturalism, difference and diversity, nation and nationalism, globalisation, postmodernity and postmodernism, the politics of history, the politics of representation, surveillance, discourse, reality, knowledge, identity, postcolonialism, racism and sexuality. Examples of cultural texts and practices suitable for analysis are Facebook, film, newspaper articles, political speeches, styles of dress, leisure activities and public ritual.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Through a series of lectures and seminars, students will develop the skills required to research and write extended essays relating to contemporary cultural issues (as identified by the tutor and seminar groups).

Lectures
Contact hours: 16
Intended Group size: Cohort

Seminars
Contact hours: 16
Intended group size: Cohort

Tutorials
Contact hours: 1
Intended Group size: 1

Guided independent study
Hours: 167

Further details relating to assessment
(tudents must complete and submit both assessments to be eligible to pass the module.
Students permitted to take a half-module for the award of 10 credits will be assessed on the basis of the form of work relevant to the semester of study.