SML1022 : Introduction to Cultural Studies
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Miss Alba Griffin
- Lecturer: Dr Nick Morgan, Dr Jo Smith Finley, Professor Guy Austin, Dr Kathryn Robson
- Other Staff: Ms Alexandra Young, Dr Gary Jenkins
- Owning School: Modern Languages
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
In consonance with the overall aims of the degrees offered in the School of Modern Languages, this module aims to introduce students to the systematic study of culture and cultural production, introducing them to a range of theoretical approaches that will prepare them for the study of culture throughout their degree programmes.
In addition, this module aims to make aspects of the above available to students from outside the degree.
Outline Of Syllabus
Lecture materials and synchronous teaching activities (both present-in-person and online) will introduce students to the knowledge and skills required for the comparative analysis and study of culture in context.
Case studies will be drawn from a wide range of countries (e.g. from East Asia, Europe, Latin America) and will be used to exemplify the problems attendant on the study of categories such as gender, class, ethnicity.
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | N/A |
Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 18 | 2:00 | 36:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Synchronous online |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Present in Person |
Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 98:00 | 98:00 | N/A |
Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures, in the form of non-synchronous online teaching, will adopt flexible, blended learning methods and strategies to introduce students to Cultural Studies as a scholarly field. They will outline general principles, illustrated by specific examples, and be supplemented by structured independent reading and guided online learning activities. Small group teaching, noted above as synchronous present-in-person and online synchronous teaching, will allow students to examine cultural products, allowing for detailed discussion and analysis as well as revisiting and reinforcing knowledge from the lecture materials and online guided activities. Seminars will provide the students with the opportunity to lead discussion on a topic through interactive activities that develop their independent thinking and critical analysis. Both types of learning activities will include advice on how to prepare for assessment. Surgery hours allow students to consult the module leader with any particular difficulties in understanding concepts, tasks, etc. Independent learning includes preparation for small group work, further reading and assessment.
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 | M | 100 | 2000-word essay in English in which students apply two or more key concepts to a topic of their own choice. |
Formative Assessments
Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
---|---|---|---|
Written exercise | 1 | M | Worksheet requiring short answers on concepts of culture and cultural identity, that stem from reading covered up to Week 5 S1. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The semester 1 formative assessment allows students to demonstrate their grasp of the foundational concepts. The semester 2 summative assessment allows students to build on the feedback gained from the formative assessment and the knowledge and skills developed over both semesters to plan and execute an assessed essay that asks them to apply their conceptual knowledge to a specific context, in the same way that the seminars exemplify the concepts discussed in the rest of the course.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SML1022's Timetable