Approaches to Languages and Cultures

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

Knowledge and Understanding

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

advanced academic approaches to a range of texts and media
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

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

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.
communicate complex, advanced ideas and arguments in a written reflective report
engage in advanced analysis of high-level arguments and approaches
manage deadlines and make effective use of your time

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.

Study time
Type	Hours
Guided independent study	126
Seminar	24
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

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.

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

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

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

Sontag, Susan (1977). On Photography.

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

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Reflective account

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback: Written and oral feedback
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No

Summative

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Reflective account	100%

Referral

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Reflective account	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Reflective account	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External