| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
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To introduce students to a broad range of contemporary texts drawn from a wide range of genres which may include fiction, film, poetry, drama, graphic novels and television.
To explore relevant theoretical models (most notably in terms of class, gender, race, geography and medical humanities) in relation to contemporary culture.
To analyse the representation and articulation of these themes in selected texts and within specific social, cultural, historical, intellectual and economic contexts.
This module will explore identity at the margins of contemporary culture. Twentieth and Twenty-first century modernity is heralded as a global interconnected landscape, within which members of society are encouraged to consider themselves as participants in wide-ranging and above all inclusive cyber and social networks. This interconnectivity is not only – or even primarily – geographical, but concerned with ideological and economic formations of the human body and identity. This module locates and discusses those figures who have fallen between the cracks of modernity, in order to demonstrate how, for a great many, contemporary culture is a space of isolation and alienation. The module will mobilise ideas of waste, in all of its critical potential, in order to place texts within a broader social context. We will look at waste in terms of ecological change and the detritus produced by contemporary culture, but also with regard to a more conceptual understanding of the word in the wasted lives, ambition and opportunities of certain social demographics.
For a student to successfully complete this module they will need to demonstrate that they have developed:
• An understanding of the relationship between canonicity and and cultural validity as it has developed since World War Two.
• An understanding of the social, cultural, historical, intellectual and economic contexts in which texts are produced and consumed.
• An awareness of the processes by which contemporary culture is shaped by relevant theoretical models and the historical and social specificity of these.
• To develop close reading skills of specific texts across a range of genres and forms
• To increase awareness of the relation between texts and their contexts (historical, cultural, social, economic)
• To evaluate different critical positions towards the texts, and for students then to present their conclusions cogently, both verbally in seminars and in written form.
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 65:00 | 65:00 | This activity includes one 2-hour and one 4-hour film viewing |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
The lectures introduce students to the knowledge outcomes, as listed. Seminars develop this knowledge further and provide a structured learning space where students practise the skills of close textual analysis, critical debate and the evaluation of critical positions.
Between the lecture and the seminar students will participate in a self-directed study group where they will discuss topics relevant to the module and respond to set readings.
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | A | 85 | Comparative essay (2500 words). |
| Prof skill assessmnt | 1 | A | 15 | Participation in class activities |
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 1000-word essay |
The end-of semester essay asks for the development of a fluently written, cogent argument, developed in long form, which addresses the key questions of the module. The formative assessment offers directed support for the development of the end-of-semester essay. The assessment of participation in small group teaching activities encourages students to engage consistently with all aspects of the module.
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Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2021/22 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 2022/23 entry will be published here in early-April 2022. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.