Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of this module is to introduce students to contemporary and historical examples of 'imagined communities'. The students will engage the content through such phenomena as the invention of geo-political regions and collective identities, such as the notion of Europe and the region of Central Europe; nations and nationality; political and local communities; online communities and so on. The module will explore the relationship between history and the present, culture and society focusing particularly on the process of imagination as an active social force. Students will encounter a variety of innovative approaches and problems in relation to cultural history and sociology, current events and global problems investigating the construction of specific places and the identities that are created to support these. In this sense, parallels between past and present, as well as issues that are unique to collective identity-construction an imagined community, will be emphasized. Special attention will be paid to the concepts of invention and design of perceptions, perspectives and ‘structures of feeling’ through which communities find a point of orientation towards the larger social world.

Outline Of Syllabus

INDICATIVE CONTENT MAY INCLUDE BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:

Introduction to the theoretical and historical context of imagination as a method of inquiry;
the Invention of Europe through imagined geographies; Invention of Nations as imagined communities; the Self as imagined center; Re-Imagining the past through tradition; Ideology as a challenge to imagination; the Digital Selves and online communities; Imagined and Re-imagined Threats; Imagining a Better World, etc.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this course the students will be familiar with:

1.       Key dynamics underpinning the construction of social and cultural identities and the role of imagination
in it
2.       The relationships between history, culture and social identity
3.       Notion of imagination as a social force and a method of identity construction
4.       Critical perspectives in relation to various 'imagined communities', past and present

Intended Skill Outcomes

This module will enable students to apply a range of conceptual devices drawn across a range of disciplines, particularly sociology, history, cultural studies and geography, to analyse the construction of collective identities. It will develop skills such as critical thinking through active participation in lectures, seminars and written work. It will foster student’s ability to explore the intricacies, importance and limitations of the concepts surrounding the construction of collective identities. It will also create an opportunity for creative approach to problem apprehension and solving.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Just like this past year, for the academic year 2023/24 I plan to continue with mostly present-in-person teaching, as this has been the stated student preference reflective of student feedback locally and in larger surveys conducted nationally by the Office of Students.

This approach will deliver key knowledge and concepts with regard to theory and methods and relate these to the sociological issues of contemporary relevance. Through live instruction, as well as guided independent study of materials students will be able to interrogate theoretical constructs working with concepts and various epistemic frameworks. Through online methods and theorizing activities, students will practice working with methodological tools and theoretical paradigms. The live delivery will further the accumulation of knowledge and development of analytical skills by performing a series of tasks designed to put this knowledge to use.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The essays will test and encourage students to critically engage with cultural and social realities – past and present. They will also encourage direct, creative engagement with core concepts surrounding identity construction and its relationship to social environments, including physical spaces and the role of imagination as a structuring force.

The research essay will give students the opportunity to explore more formal conceptualizations of collective identity as well as sharpen their analytical skills by engaging with a theme in-depth.

The short paper will provide an opportunity for students to test their understanding of conceptual and factual/historical information in relation to one of the major themes which can then be effectively used in the final essay, as support materials for more engaged discussion.

General Notes

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