MCH1026 : Introduction to Social and Cultural Studies
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Tina Sikka
- Owning School: Arts & Cultures
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
1. To allow students to explore culture and society in the context of critical theory.
2. To equip students with critical and analytical skills that enable them to examine some of the key ways that culture is understood, analysed and mobilised across a range of social and geo-political contexts.
3. To facilitate a critical space in which students consider the discourses, representations and relations of power which serve to constitute culture, society, identity, subjectivity, space/place, and embodiment.
This module introduces students to contemporary Social and Cultural Studies. It explores the history, politics and ethics of Social and Cultural Studies as an interdisciplinary fields of study, and invites students to consider the critical implications of some of their most dynamic contemporary debates. The module examines some of the key ways that culture is understood, analysed and mobilised through its analysis of a diverse range of media, social and political texts and issues. Some of the key themes and issues addressed may relate to the study of race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and class, globalisation, consumer culture and a range of social justice movements.
Outline Of Syllabus
1. This module is aimed at students who are new to the field of cultural studies and/or who have some initial knowledge of the field. The module will encourage students to critically engage with some of the key terms, concepts, ideas, and approaches in Cultural studies.
2. The module will deal with key introductory material about critical theory, methodology and ethics, and will offer some answers to the question, 'what is culture?' The module will answer these questions in relation to helpful texts in cultural studies.
3. In addition, the module will consider and discuss contemporary example. The module places a strong emphasis on understating how to link ideas and theories to texts, practices, institutions and identities. The intersection of cultural and social institutions will also be emphasised throughout the module.
4. Short, clear accounts will outline and consider key notions of social and cultural studies in terms of way of life, everydayness, practices, and texts.
5. This will be followed by a discussion of what is involved when thinking about human societies from the perspectives of cultural studies. The module will consider certain issues involved in further research and critical inquiry in cultural studies, reflecting local, national and transnational perspectives.
Teaching Methods
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.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 9 | 3:00 | 27:00 | Non-sychnronous, delivered online. Combination of audio-visual materials. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | Independent study and essay preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 72:00 | 72:00 | Small tasks oriented towards solidifying learning objecttives and lecture materials (specific to the |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Seminar format, PiP. Pre-defined activities related to final assessment |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Non-synchronous and online. Assessment related |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Online synchronous – drop in. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Social and Cultural Studies introduce a different way of looking at the world. Given that the majority of the students come from a wide disciplinary background, close and sustained support is required. Thus the lectures materials will provide formal approaches to the areas that are being looked at whilst students in synchronous and non-synchronous discussions groups consider some of the more challenging aspects of the programme in more depth. Scheduled contact time will provide students with a pre-arranged appointment to discuss the module with staff.
Assessment Methods
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
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | A | 20 | Critical essay proposal, 500 words |
| Essay | 2 | A | 80 | Critical essay. 2500 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The proposal, to be submitted prior to the essay, will function as a roadmap for the final essay. Feedback will be provided.
The final, critical essay requires that students construct an argument around an issue or theme covered in the course. Questions will be provided.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MCH1026's Timetable