Approaches to Languages and Cultures

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the key analytical frameworks necessary for the MA Languages and Cultures programme
• the principles of advanced research in the Humanities.
• advanced academic approaches to a range of creative texts and media
• how to engage with, and reflect upon, advanced academic and theoretical texts relevant to high-level understanding of world cultures
• advanced academic approaches to theoretical reading and analysis

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• structure your ideas in a clear, coherent manner consistent with an advanced academic level.
• demonstrate confidence and skill when engaging in high-level academic discussion and debate
• communicate a high-level academic argument in written form
• interpret and reflect critically, at an advanced level, on a range of approaches to cultural analysis

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• express reflection on complex ideas in a succinct and concise manner.
• manage deadlines and make effective use of your time
• engage in advanced analysis of high-level arguments and approaches
• communicate complex, advanced ideas and arguments in a written reflective report

The syllabus will change year-to-year, but might include segments on:

– approaches to written texts

– approaches to images and film

– approaches to ideology

– approaches to media

– approaches to representation

Teaching and learning methods

The module will consist of guided independent readings, discussion-based seminars aimed at facilitating understanding and building critical skills, and short assessments with an emphasis on reflection.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Barry, Peter (2009). Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory.

Hall, Stuart, ed. (1997). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices.

Young, Robert (1981). Untying the Text: A Poststructuralist Reader.

Longhurst, Brian et al (2016). Introducing Cultural Studies.

Phelan, James, and Peter J. Rabinowitz, eds (2005). A Companion to Narrative Theory.

Rose, Gillian (2016). Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to Researching with Visual Materials.

Sontag, Susan (1977). On Photography.

Mirzoeff, Nicholas (2009). An Introduction to Visual Culture.

Barthes, Roland (1977). Image–Music–Text.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External