Newcastle University

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide students with:
1. A theoretical framework for understanding globalisation;

2. A theoretical framework for understanding national identity formation;

3. An understanding of the role and function of culture in the national and global context and the interplay of the two in the formation of contemporary cultural identities;

4. An ability to apply theoretical frameworks to specific case studies.

We live in a globalising world that creates particular challenges to our everyday identity, resulting in increased levels of anxiety for all of us. Globalisation/anti-globalisation, nationalisms and religious fundamentalisms, McDonaldisation and Starbuckification are constantly invoked as new menaces threatening the core fundamentals of our nations. How real are such threats? How can we understand what is actually going on?
The module will try to answer some of these questions by looking at a wide range of theoretical explanations of national identity formation, globalisation and the role of culture in contemporary world. It will critically address aspects of globalisation of culture, through its political, economic and social implications. From Hollywood to Bollywood, from the internet to the music video, from football stands to art galleries, we will explore aspects of contemporary cultural identity as they are constructed on a national and global scale.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will cover the following areas, using a variety of case studies for illustration:
• Theorising national identity and globalisation;

• Understanding nationalism and national identity formation;

• Theorising cultural production and cultural identity;

• Performing national identity in popular culture;

• Cultural production and cultural policy;

• The meaning of culture in the tension between nation-state and global phenomena;

• Reactions and adaptations to globalisation: backlash, fundamentalism and resurgent identities;

• Diasporas, hybridity and multiculturalism.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module aims to advance students’ knowledge and understanding of media analysis through the study of a range of key concepts theories and case studies. Lectures introduce and develop ideas and case study material and the seminars allow students to consider, assess and debate material in further detail. Seminars will involve small group work, spoken presentations. This will be combined with private study and essay writing.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Completing the essay will enhance students' ability to deliver work to a given length, format, brief and deadline, properly referencing sources and ideas and making use, as appropriate, of a critical and reflexive problem-solving approach, and with an adequate mastery of the English language appropriate for academic purposes. It will help them to gather, organise, digest and deploy substantial amounts of ideas, theoretical concepts and information in order to formulate arguments clearly, and express them effectively in written, oral or in other forms, including IT-media.

The theoretical essay will allow students to make proof of analytical and critical skills, to develop their information literacy and practice their writing skills. They will demonstrate a thorough understanding of the chosen theoretical framework, its applicability to other areas, its importance in developing research, as well as its limitations;

The assessed report on a case study will test students’ research skills, problem solving abilities, adaptability and initiative.

The seminar presentation will allow students to engage in an interactive learning process, helped by the open discussions with their peers following the seminar presentation. It will also develop presentation skills and the ability to explain complex and abstract concepts.