Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
To discuss political, cultural and social issue in relation to the topic of everyday life;
To understand how theory and policy are interlinked for the understanding and explanation of everyday life;
To be critically aware of the theoretical and policy debates concerning everyday life;
To communicate and argue effectively in both oral and written forms.

Content:

What is meant by the politics and culture of everyday life? How can we apply politics and culture to everyday life? We approach these rather general questions by combining theoretical and practice oriented approaches beginning with an overview of theories of culture and politics on the one hand and a discussion of what is everyday life on the other. We will consider conceptualisations of "high - low culture", the status of the stranger everyday life, issues of integration, clothing and religion, employment and ethnicity, violence and urban planning, multiculturalism and the recognition of political and cultural identities.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will be structured around lectures where different aspects of everyday life will be introduced and seminars where students will compare themes and concepts and debate policies on the management of everyday life. The module's moodle page will serve as an information portal containing reading, links to reading and primary and secondary research and also as an archive of lecture materials.

Seminars/workshops
Hours: 32
Intended Group size: 30

Guided independent study
Hours: 168

Further details relating to assessment
Essay: The essay will consist of the critical analysis of an event, social phenomenon or artefact that addresses the political and cultural dimensions of everyday life. Full guidance and support will be provided in lectures, seminars and on Moodle for the completion of the essay.

Group presentation: groups of three-four students will identify an aspect of everyday life (i.e. clothing, urban planning, bureaucracy) for critical analysis. Students will receive guidance on the selection of their topic and for its presentation.

Assessment:

002 Group presentation; 10 minutes; During Semester One 50%
003 Essay; 2,000 words; End of Semester One 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator -
Level - 5
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 5S1