Module Catalogue 2024/25

HSS2001 : Introduction to British Culture (Inactive)

HSS2001 : Introduction to British Culture (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Hazel Donkin
  • Lecturer: Dr Rachel Clements
  • Owning School: School X
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

None.
Available to Study Abroad students only.

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

- To create an understanding of the complexity of the role of culture for society, groups and individuals
- To introduce students to the key tools of analysis required to critically examine British culture
- To develop students' communication skills and autonomous learning skills through the research and preparation of an extended essay

The module will benefit students who aim for an international career and/or expect to be working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Using a range of teaching methods students will develop an understanding of the complexity of the role of culture for society, groups and individuals. The course will focus on contemporary Britain but will also provide a historical context for areas of study such as British identity, the changing demography of Britain and British cultural expression.

Outline Of Syllabus

The course will develop an understanding of British culture through analysis of a range of topics, examples of topics may include: social class, multiculturalism, the arts, home and family life in Britain, film and television, fashion and music, and contemporary Britain. Areas of study (which may change each academic year) will focus on contemporary trends and debates within a historical context.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should have:
- A sound understanding of the social structure and multicultural nature of Britain.
- Knowledge of British cultural practices.
- An appreciation of distinctive critical perspectives and issues appropriate to the study of the above.
- Awareness of intellectual property.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will develop key skills in the following areas:
- Constructive participation in critical discussion of the issues/topics studied.
- Appropriate information search skills.
- Use with discrimination of texts and web based sources for research on British culture.
- How to work independently.
- How to structure and present an extended piece of writing.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture111:0011:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture12:002:00Guest lecture linked to fieldwork
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching101:0010:00Seminars
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops22:004:00Film screenings
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork16:006:00Fieldwork
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1167:00167:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The aim of the module is to give the student scope to achieve the knowledge and skills outcomes whilst developing autonomous habits of learning. The work in each topic will be introduced through a lecture. Seminars will enable students to engage with the material through critical discussion using material drawn from texts, academic journals, arts magazines, the internet and broadsheet and broadcast journalism. Students will be encouraged to observe and analyse British culture and to consider, compare and contrast elements of this with their own country. In terms of the assignment the emphasis is on self-study.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay1A1004,000 words
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Written exercise1MEssay plan
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Formative feedback will be given during the Semester via seminar tasks and an essay plan. Proficiency in all learning and skills outcomes is required to complete the summative essay question. The end of module essay will allow students to choose from all topics explored throughout the module.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.