Module overview
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the analytical frameworks at the heart of the MA Languages and Cultures programme. Through guided weekly readings, discussion-based seminars and reflective short assessments, you will develop the skills required to engage at an advanced level with the high-level texts and concepts you will come across during the taught and research components of your MA programme. Producing short reflective accounts will hone your writing and communication skills. You will be encouraged throughout to reflect on early ideas for your dissertation, which you will then develop on a more practical and concrete basis during the semester 2 Research Skills module.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- interpret and reflect critically, at an advanced level, on a range of approaches to cultural analysis
- demonstrate confidence and skill when engaging in high-level academic discussion and debate
- structure your ideas in a clear, coherent manner consistent with an advanced academic level.
- communicate a high-level academic argument in written form
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- how to engage with, and reflect upon, advanced academic and theoretical texts relevant to high-level understanding of world cultures
- the principles of advanced research in the Humanities.
- the key analytical frameworks necessary for the MA Languages and Cultures programme
- advanced academic approaches to theoretical reading and analysis
- advanced academic approaches to a range of creative texts and media
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- engage in advanced analysis of high-level arguments and approaches
- manage deadlines and make effective use of your time
- express reflection on complex ideas in a succinct and concise manner.
- communicate complex, advanced ideas and arguments in a written reflective report
Syllabus
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
Learning and Teaching
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.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Seminar | 24 |
Guided independent study | 126 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Hall, Stuart, ed. (1997). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices.
Young, Robert (1981). Untying the Text: A Poststructuralist Reader.
Barry, Peter (2009). Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory.
Barthes, Roland (1977). Image–Music–Text.
Phelan, James, and Peter J. Rabinowitz, eds (2005). A Companion to Narrative Theory.
Longhurst, Brian et al (2016). Introducing Cultural Studies.
Rose, Gillian (2016). Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to Researching with Visual Materials.
Mirzoeff, Nicholas (2009). An Introduction to Visual Culture.
Sontag, Susan (1977). On Photography.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Reflective account | 35% |
Reflective account | 35% |
Reflective account | 30% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Reflective account | 30% |
Reflective account | 35% |
Reflective account | 35% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External