SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
FOUNDATION YEAR MODULE INFORMATION
2015/16
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
FOUNDATION YEAR PROGRAMMES AND FOUNDATION MODULES
This booklet provides information on the modules that are offered by the School of
Humanities for Foundation Year students on any one of the 8 Foundation Year routes in the
Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
American Studies (3 Year) (with a Foundation Year) (T70A)
English Literature (with a Foundation Year) (Q30F)
Film and Television Studies (with a Foundation Year) (W61F)
History (with a Foundation Year) (V10F)
History of Art (with a Foundation Year) (V35F)
Philosophy (with a Foundation Year) (V50F)
Politics (with a Foundation Year) (L20F)
Intercultural Communication with Business Management (with a Foundation Year) (Q9NF)
The contents of this booklet are organised as follows:
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Aims of the Foundation Year
Structure of the Foundation Year
Foundation Year Profile
Brief Description of Compulsory Modules
Brief Description of Option Range A Modules
Guidance for Selecting Option Range A Module
Brief Description of Option Range B Modules (HUM)
Guidance for Selecting Option Range B Modules
Timetable Information
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
AIMS OF THE FOUNDATION YEAR IN HUMANITIES
The Foundation Year in Humanities provides students with the skills and knowledge
required to progress on to one of 8 degree programmes within the Faculty of Arts and
Humanities. Over the course of the year you will be introduced to a wide range of academic
subjects such as literature, history, philosophy, film, television and media, American studies,
politics and the history of art. You will gain a foundational knowledge of many of the
concepts, methods and techniques you will study in more detail on your chosen Honours
programme.
The Foundation Year will also help you to develop a variety of key study skills which will
enable you to excel as an Undergraduate. After completing the Foundation Year you will be
able to begin your continued study with confidence in your ability to learn and progress in
Higher Education. Furthermore, the Foundation Year will allow you to develop a range of
transferable skills such as communication, collegiality, time-management and language skills
which will significantly enhance your employability in the future.
STRUCTURE OF THE FOUNDATION YEAR
All Foundation Year students must take 120 credits made up from two compulsory modules
(60 credits), 1 module from Option Range A (20 credits), and 2 modules from Option Range
B (40 credits). This combination ensures you receive a broad but detailed overview of the
Humanities while also allowing you to tailor the course towards your interests, strengths
and chosen honours programme.
In order to progress from the Foundation Year you must pass ALL of your modules (pass
mark is 40%) and achieve an overall average of at least 40%. If you are intending to progress
on to English Literature you are required to pass ALL modules with at least 60% in Literature
and the Humanities, and an overall average of at least 60%.
If you are thinking about requesting a transfer please check the individual progression
criteria for your chosen course.
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
FOUNDATION YEAR PROFILE
Compulsory Modules (60 Credits)
Module
HUM0009A
Description
Humanities: Techniques and
Methods
Assessment
CW
Credits
20
Semester
SEM 1
HUM0008Y
Humanities: The Key Concepts
CW
40
SEM 1 +2
Options Range A
Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:
Module
HUM0006A
Description
Media Technologies
Assessment
CW
Credits
20
Semester
SEM 1
HUM0010A
Creative Industries
CW
20
SEM 1
PPLB4013A
Beginners’ French I
CW
20
SEM 1
PPLB4018A
Beginners’ German I
CW
20
SEM 1
PPLB4022A
Beginners’ Spanish I
CW
20
SEM 1
PPLB4029A
Beginners’ Arabic I
CW
20
SEM 1
PPLB4031A
Introduction to British Sign
Language I
CW
20
SEM 1
PPLB4034A
Beginners’ Chinese I
CW
20
SEM 1
PPLB4036A
Beginners’ Greek I
CW
20
SEM 1
PPLB4038A
Beginners’ Italian I
CW
20
SEM 1
PPLB4040A
Beginners’ Japanese I
CW
20
SEM 1
PPLB4043A
Beginners’ Russian I
CW
20
SEM 1
PPLB5150A
Intermediate French I
CW
20
SEM 1
PPLB5151A
Intermediate German I
CW
20
SEM 1
PPLB5152A
Intermediate Spanish I
CW
20
SEM 1
Options Range B
Students will select 40 credits from the following modules:
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
Module
HUM0003B
Description
Introduction to Visual Cultures
Assessment
CW
Credits
20
Semester
SEM 2
HUM0004B
Literature and the Humanities
CW
20
SEM 2
HUM0005B
History and Society
CW
20
SEM 2
HUM0007B
What is Politics?
CW
20
SEM 2
PPLB4030B
CW
20
SEM 2
PPLB4035B
Beginners’ Arabic II /
Improvers
Beginners’ Chinese II
CW
20
SEM 2
PPLB4014B
Beginners’ French II
CW
20
SEM 2
PPLB4019B
Beginners’ German II
CW
20
SEM 2
PPLB4037B
Beginners’ Greek II
CW
20
SEM 2
PPLB4039B
Beginners’ Italian II
CW
20
SEM 2
PPLB4041B
Beginners’ Japanese II
CW
20
SEM 2
PPLB4044B
Beginners’ Russian II
CW
20
SEM 2
PPLB4023B
Beginners’ Spanish II
CW
20
SEM 2
PPLB4032B
CW
20
SEM 2
PPLB5032B
Introduction to British Sign
Language II
Intermediate French II
CW
20
SEM 2
PPLB5034B
Intermediate Spanish II
CW
20
SEM 2
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF COMPULSORY MODULES
MODULE TITLE: Humanities: Techniques and
MODULE CODE: HUM0009A
Methods
STATUS: Compulsory
LEVEL: Foundation
CREDIT VALUE: 40
TERM: Autumn
MODULE CONVENOR: Liz Powell
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module is designed to familiarise students with the study of the Humanities at undergraduate
level and help you to develop the kinds of skills needed to reach your full potential on your degree
programme.
MODULE AIMS
Over the course of this module students will:
A. Gain an understanding of their own abilities and develop strategies for monitoring and
evaluating their individual progress
B. Gain an understanding of the ways in which the Humanities approaches the study of
history, texts, societies and cultures
C. Become familiar different forms of assessment and the expectations of higher education
D. Become familiar with the resources available to them and how they can use them
E. Develop skills and strategies for effective independent study
F. Develop an understanding of the principles and practices of constructing an academic
argument
G. Develop skills for conducting effective research
H. Develop their ability to manage a demanding workload and work to deadlines
I. Develop their aural and written communication skills
J. Develop skills for working well with others and be able to give and receive constructive
criticism
Assessment Title
Personal Development
Plan
Peer-Assessed Essay
Draft
Group Presentation
MODULE ASSESSMENT
Assessment Type
Weighting
Learning outcomes met
Formative
0%
ABCDEG
Formative
0%
ACEHJ
Summative
40%
BCDEFGHIJ
Essay
Summative
40%
BCDEFGHI
Self-Evaluation
Summative
20%
ACEGHIJ
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
MODULE TITLE: Humanities: The Key Concepts
MODULE CODE: HUM0008Y
STATUS: Compulsory
LEVEL: Foundation
CREDIT VALUE: 40
TERM: Year-long
MODULE CONVENOR: Liz Powell
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This interdisciplinary module aims to give you a broad but detailed overview of some of the key
themes and ideas within the Humanities and introduce you to a variety of critical perspectives. By
studying key texts and theories you will explore how and why certain themes have become so
prominent within the Humanities and will begin to develop the requisite understanding and
analytical skills to identify them at work in your future studies.
MODULE AIMS
Over the course of this module students will:
A. Gain, and be able to demonstrate, a foundational understanding of some of the most
significant concepts within the Humanities
B. Become familiar with a range of academic discourses and be able to employ them
confidently in discussions and written work
C. Develop the ability to work across different academic disciplines
D. Develop an understanding of how theories have developed in relation to political,
historical, social and cultural contexts
E. Develop critical thinking skills
F. Develop the ability to read academic writing, extract key information and summarise
central arguments
G. Develop the skills required to closely analyse a wide range of texts
H. Develop the ability to construct an academic argument
I. Develop individual scholarly interests and opinions
J. Develop written and aural communication skills
K. Acquire the skills required to plan and undertake an individual research project
L. Develop skills for working well with others and be able to give and receive constructive
criticism
M. Develop an understanding of different writing styles and be able to use them
appropriately
Assessment Title
MODULE ASSESSMENT
Assessment Type
Weighting
Learning outcomes met
Weekly Group Blog
Formative
0%
ABCDEFGHIJLM
Course Test
Summative
50%
ABCDEFGHIJ
Project Plan and
Presentation
Research Project
Formative
0%
IKL
Summative
50%
ABCDE GHIJK
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF OPTION RANGE A MODULES
MODULE TITLE: Media Technologies
MODULE CODE: HUM0006A
STATUS: Option Range A LEVEL: Foundation
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Autumn
MODULE CONVENOR: Stephen Bennett
MODULE DESCRIPTION
The module will provide an introduction to the following audio and related media technologies.
There will be both practical and taught sessions and opportunities for extracurricular activities. No
previous musical or programming experience will be necessary to complete the module.
Weekly seminar will cover a wide range of topics and skills including:
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The use of technology in music production and distribution
Social media, the Internet and music (incorporating an introduction to web design.)
Critical listening and an introduction to the analysis of film music
Non-music audio related areas and technologies – including, radio and TV.
Podcasting and citizen journalism
Creative Music technology – an introduction to sonic art and the use of computers as
creative tools.
Digital media – the impact of digital technologies on audio and music production,
archiving and restoration
Practical recording sessions
MODULE AIMS
By the end of the module students should have a firm understanding of how technological
innovations have affected music and audio production and have gained hands-on experience of
using these technologies in audio and music -related fields.
Students will undertake critical listening and analysis practices alongside an introduction to the
corpus of academic work relating to audio and other media technologies.
Students will gain practical experience in the various types of technology used in modern music
and audio production and how these technologies are used practically in a wide range of career
options.
Students will become familiar with peer- and research - led learning strategies. A series of
summative and formative assessments will provide them with experience of collaborative
research, reasoned debate and the presentation of their own work.
Students will gain familiarity of working in several related disciplines.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
TBC
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
TBC
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
MODULE TITLE: Creative Industries
MODULE CODE: HUM0010A
STATUS: Option Range A LEVEL: Foundation
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Autumn
MODULE CONVENOR: Francisco Costa
MODULE DESCRIPTION
The term ‘Creative Industries’ encompasses a range of disciplines taught in the Faculty of Arts and
Humanities at UEA, including film and television, media, creative writing and drama. This module
offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding of these industries that many may wish
to work in.
With a particular focus on employability, the module has been designed to allow for a creative
and critical exploration of a range of creative subjects (television, film, media, music, publishing –
fiction and non-fiction, newspapers, magazines – among others). The module aims to empower
students to engage effectively with a competitive Creative Industry environment and economy
and acquire knowledge and a range of skills (both practical and analytical) across this range of
disciplines.
MODULE AIMS
• Develop an interdisciplinary and historically-informed understanding of the cultural and creative
industries;
• Consider the complex relationship between theory and practice in the context of the cultural,
political and social frameworks that underpin the work of the cultural and creative industries;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the distinctive characteristics of the principal approaches to
the study of creativity and the disciplines involved in creative studies and industries (historical,
cultural, social, institutional, economic and practice-based);
• Assess the working conditions of creative practitioners across a range of contexts;
• Reflect critically on key debates and ideas concerning the creative industries;
• Expand critical thinking, oral and written skills, research, analyse and synthesise information
from a range of sources, and present findings in a variety of ways.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Presentation Outline
Presentation (30%)
Research Log
Essay (50%)
Concept Map Portfolio (20%)
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
MODULE TITLE: Beginners’ French I
MODULE CODE: LCSS4013A
STATUS: Option A
LEVEL: 4
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Autumn
MODULE CONVENOR: Miss Claire Cuminatto
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module is for students at beginners’ level who have little or no prior experience of French.
The module will develop students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The aim is to
equip students with the linguistic understanding of a number of real life situations, as well as the
ability to communicate effectively in those situations. There will also be opportunities to explore
aspects of the cultures where French is spoken. Particular emphasis is placed on acquiring a sound
knowledge of grammar.
ASSESSMENT
Oral Comprehensive (20%); Oral Production (25%); Written Comprehension (25%); Written
Production and Grammar (25%)
MODULE TITLE: Beginners’ German I
MODULE CODE: LCSS4018A
STATUS: Option A
LEVEL: 4
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Autumn
MODULE CONVENOR: Mr Deiter Beier
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module is for students at beginners’ level who have little or no prior experience of German.
The module will develop students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The aim is to
equip students with the linguistic understanding of a number of real life situations, as well as the
ability to communicate effectively in those situations. There will also be opportunities to explore
aspects of the cultures where German is spoken. Particular emphasis is placed on acquiring a
sound knowledge of grammar.
ASSESSMENT
Written Homework (10%); Listening Test (20%); Written Class Test (50%); Oral Assessment (20%)
MODULE TITLE: Beginners’ Spanish I
MODULE CODE: LCSS4022A
STATUS: Option A
LEVEL: 4
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Autumn
MODULE CONVENOR: Ms Marian Arribas-Tome
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module is for students at beginners’ level who have little or no prior experience of Spanish.
The module will develop students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The aim is to
equip students with the linguistic understanding of a number of real life situations, as well as the
ability to communicate effectively in those situations. There will also be opportunities to explore
aspects of the cultures where Spanish is spoken.
ASSESSMENT
Written Grammar and Translation (40%); Reading (10%); Oral (30%); Listening (20%)
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
MODULE TITLE: Beginners’ Arabic I
STATUS: Option A
LEVEL: 4
MODULE CONVENOR: TBC
MODULE CODE: LCSS4029A
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Autumn
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This is the first part of a beginners' course in Arabic assuming no prior knowledge of the language.
The module aims to develop the ability to use Arabic effectively in everyday practical situations
with speakers of Arabic both in the UK and overseas.
ASSESSMENT
Writing Test (50%); Oral Test (30%); Listening Test (20%)
MODULE TITLE: Introduction to British Sign
MODULE CODE: LCSS4031A
Language I
STATUS: Option A
LEVEL: 4
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Autumn
MODULE CONVENOR: Ms Stephanie Stanforth
MODULE DESCRIPTION
A beginners' course in British Sign Language assuming no prior or minimal knowledge of the
language. It is designed to provide students with basic training in communication with deaf people
and an awareness of life and culture in the deaf world. Teaching and learning strategies include
the use of signed conversation, role play, games and exercises to embed vocabulary and principles
unique to a visual language. Assessment is based on a Sign Language conversation and in-class
assessments.
ASSESSMENT
Written Assessments (40%); Signed Assessment (60%)
MODULE TITLE: Beginners’ Chinese I
STATUS: Option A
LEVEL: 4
MODULE CONVENOR: Mr Fan Wang
MODULE CODE: LCSS4034A
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Autumn
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module is for students at beginners’ level who have little or no prior experience of Chinese.
The module will develop students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The aim is to
equip students with the linguistic understanding of a number of real life situations, as well as the
ability to communicate effectively in those situations. There will also be opportunities to explore
aspects of the cultures where Chinese is spoken. Particular emphasis is placed on acquiring a
sound knowledge of grammar.
ASSESSMENT
Written Class Test (50%); Listening Test (20%); Oral Test (30%)
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
MODULE TITLE: Beginners’ Greek I
MODULE CODE: LCSS4036A
STATUS: Option A
LEVEL: 4
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Autumn
MODULE CONVENOR: Mrs Helen Anagnostopoulou
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module is for students at beginners’ level who have little or no prior experience of Greek. The
module will develop students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The aim is to equip
students with the linguistic understanding of a number of real life situations, as well as the ability
to communicate effectively in those situations. There will also be opportunities to explore aspects
of the cultures where Greek is spoken. Particular emphasis is placed on acquiring a sound
knowledge of grammar.
ASSESSMENT
Reading Comprehension (25%); Writing (25%); Listening Comprehension (25%); Oral (25%)
MODULE TITLE: Beginners’ Italian I
MODULE CODE: LCSS4038A
STATUS: Option A
LEVEL: 4
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Autumn
MODULE CONVENOR: Ms Siobhan Munroe
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module is for students at beginners’ level who have little or no prior experience of Italian. The
module will develop students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The aim is to equip
students with the linguistic understanding of a number of real life situations, as well as the ability
to communicate effectively in those situations. There will also be opportunities to explore aspects
of the cultures where Italian is spoken. Particular emphasis is placed on acquiring a sound
knowledge of grammar.
ASSESSMENT
Oral Presentation (35%); Audio Test (25%); Written Test (50%)
MODULE TITLE: Beginners’ Japanese I
MODULE CODE: LCSS4040A
STATUS: Option A
LEVEL: 4
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Autumn
MODULE CONVENOR: Mrs Mika Brown
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module is for students at beginners’ level who have little or no prior experience of Japanese.
The module will develop students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The aim is to
equip students with the linguistic understanding of a number of real life situations, as well as the
ability to communicate effectively in those situations. There will also be opportunities to explore
aspects of the cultures where Japanese is spoken. Particular emphasis is placed on acquiring a
sound knowledge of grammar.
ASSESSMENT
Written Assessment (50%); Listening Test (20%); Oral Test (30%)
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
MODULE TITLE: Beginners’ Russian I
MODULE CODE: LCSS4043A
STATUS: Option A
LEVEL: 4
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Autumn
MODULE CONVENOR: Ms Veronica Bowker
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module is for students at beginners’ level who have little or no prior experience of Russian.
The module will develop students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The aim is to
equip students with the linguistic understanding of a number of real life situations, as well as the
ability to communicate effectively in those situations. There will also be opportunities to explore
aspects of the cultures where Russian is spoken. Particular emphasis is placed on acquiring a
sound knowledge of grammar.
ASSESSMENT
Grammar Test (15%); Listening Test (15%); Oral Presentation (30%); Written Work (40%)
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
GUIDANCE FOR SELECTING OPTION RANGE A MODULE
During Semester 1 you must an additional module to study alongside Humanities:
Techniques and Methods and Humanities: The Key Concepts. When making your choice
please remember you must achieve an overall grade for this module of at least 40% in order
to pass the Foundation Year. With this in mind it is recommended that you think carefully
about the module content and the methods of assessment used.
The Beginners’ language modules do not require you to have undertaken any previous study
in that language. If you have previously studied a language at either GCSE, AS Level, or A
Level, it may be possible for you to continue studying this language at a higher level. If you
would like to study a higher level language course please contact the ARTS HUB as soon as
possible via hum_ug.hub@uea.ac.uk, giving details of your degree course and your previous
language qualifications.
N.B. Please note that it may not be possible to offer you a place on a higher level language
module if the classes clash with the timetable for your compulsory Foundation modules.
However, you will have the opportunity to select these modules in your second and third
years of study.
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF OPTION RANGE B MODULES (HUM)
MODULE TITLE: Literature and the Humanities
MODULE CODE: HUM0004B
STATUS: Option Range B LEVEL: Foundation
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Spring
MODULE CONVENOR: Jenna Pitchford-Hyde
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This interdisciplinary module introduces a wide range of narratives in a variety of formats, asking
you to consider questions such as: What is literature? How is literature affected by its historical
and cultural contexts? How can the humanities help us to make sense of literary texts? Over the
course of the module, you will be introduced to key themes in literary studies, as well as
examining the value of reading texts in their interdisciplinary contexts. You will develop your
ability to analyse texts, engage with historical and cultural contexts, and develop your own critical
arguments.
The module is divided into four units, each focusing on a particular theme. These crossdisciplinary themes are designed to encourage you to think about how each text connects with its
historical and cultural context. We will explore how we can use approaches from across the
humanities in our analysis of texts, and, as we work our way through a range of texts in a variety
of formats, we will be developing Week One’s question “what is literature?”
Over the course of this module, you will encounter a wide variety of text including novels, short
stories, life writing, poetry, graphic novels, and blogs, spanning a wide range of historical and
cultural moments including the Romantic Revolution in Britain, Puritan America, post-Apartheid
South Africa, and the contemporary period of global environmental uncertainty.
Module Delivery:
Each week you will attend one hour lectures delivered by academics from several Schools across
the Faculty of Humanities. The lectures will provide a solid grounding in the topic area on which
we can build by exploring the set reading in our seminars.
MODULE AIMS
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To give students a foundational understanding of different literary forms, styles
and movements.
To familiarise students with key literary theories and terminology.
To develop students’ analytical skills.
To develop students’ ability to read academic writing, extract key information and
summarise central arguments.
To familiarise students’ with the format of an academic lecture and assist them in
the development of their listening and note-taking skills.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Study Log Entries
Presentation
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Essay (50%)
Study Log (50%)
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
MODULE TITLE: History and Society
MODULE CODE: HUM0007B
STATUS: Option Range B LEVEL: Foundation
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Spring
MODULE CONVENOR: Rowena Burgess
MODULE DESCRIPTION
The module takes as its theme the experience of religion in Victorian rural society. There are three
main themes: the realities of rural society: family and household; the personal experience of
Christianity. The aim is to give you an insight into the importance and nature of Christian belief in
rural England, and to aid an understanding of the place it played in pre-modern societies, using
England as our focus.
It will give you the opportunity – through seminars, tutorials and an essay - to widen and deepen
your knowledge of the period, thereby providing you with a base of knowledge and understanding
upon which to build.
Module Delivery
Each week you will attend a lecture (1 hour) and a seminar (3 hours). Your weekly lectures will be
given by a member of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and will cover a variety of topics
including family life, education, health, poverty and the structure of rural society. Your seminars
will then allow you to explore aspects of these topics, and their contexts, in more detail.
MODULE AIMS
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The capacity to retrieve, digest and analyse historical information and arguments
and to relate evidence and interpretation to important historical debates.
The clear communication of ideas and arguments both orally - whether in seminar
presentation, discussion or debate - and in essay-writing.
The ability to differentiate between longer-term and short-term historical changes.
To give students an understanding of the importance of history and its relationship
with society.
To introduce students to different methods of “doing” history.
To develop students’ ability to read academic writing, extract key information and
summarise central arguments.
To familiarise students’ with the format of an academic lecture and assist them in
the development of their listening and note-taking skills.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Presentation
Essay Plan
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Project (40%)
Essay (60%)
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
MODULE TITLE: Introduction to Visual Cultures MODULE CODE: HUM003B
STATUS: Option Range B LEVEL: Foundation
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Spring
MODULE CONVENOR: Beccy Collings
MODULE DESCRIPTION
Co-taught across the School of Art, Media and American Studies and the Interdisciplinary
Institute for the Humanities this module offers a foundation-level introduction to the field
of Visual Cultures, and the diverse ways in which images have communicated meaning
across different societies, time periods and cultures. It provides students with a
grounding in how to study and analyse a wide range of art, media and design, including
painting, artefacts and antiquities, photography, film, television, advertising and online
digital media.
Module Delivery
The module’s teaching and learning will be carried out through two different teaching
formats:
1. A weekly 1 hour long lecture which provides a detailed examination of an aspect
of that week’s topic. Lectures last year included: ‘Pretty Shiny Things: Consumer
Fetishism’; ‘Me, My Selfie and I: Self-presentation and Social Media’; ‘Cinematic
Technologies from Muybridge to 3D' and; ‘Art and Early Modern Globalisation’.
2. A weekly 3 hour long seminar which provides opportunity for students to discuss
theoretical concepts and empirical examples in depth.
Throughout, your learning will be supported by selected readings and chapters from the
module’s textbook, Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture (2nd edition) by
Marita Sturken and Lisa Cartwright.
MODULE AIMS
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To introduce students to the study of visual cultures and its place within the
Humanities.
To give students and foundational understanding of the importance of the image
within different historical, political and cultural contexts.
To encourage students to think about different kinds of looking and how this affects
the subject and the object of the look.
To encourage students to think more critically about the world around them and
their own practices of looking.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Learning Journal Entries
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Learning Journal (50%)
Presentation (50%)
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
MODULE TITLE: What is Politics?
MODULE CODE: HUM0007B
STATUS: Option Range B LEVEL: Foundation
CREDIT VALUE: 20
TERM: Spring
MODULE CONVENOR: Tori Cann
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module will introduce students to some of the key ideologies and ‘isms’ within contemporary
political theory which form the focus of contemporary debates. It will encourage students to
consider the role that politics plays in their lives through examination of political theory. Radical
doctrines such as anarchism and fundamentalism will be discussed and evaluated alongside more
traditional ideologies such as socialism, liberalism and conservatism. It will have relevance to
students across a range of Foundation Year programmes through its critical approach to ideology.
MODULE AIMS
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To introduce students to of the key ideologies and concepts of political theory
Critical evaluation of a range of approaches to our understanding of politics
To show how political ideas and ideologies relate to and determine political action
Students will be encouraged to develop their own opinions in relation to the main political
ideologies
By the end of the module students should be able to:
 Competently discuss the main features of a range of political ideologies
 Evaluate different ideologies in a critical manner
 Discuss how ideologies can be connected to events and debates taking place within
contemporary society
 Articulate their own opinions about these ideologies
 Display their understanding, synthesis of ideas and skills of analysis through a variety of
forms, including written, verbal and visual means
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Poster Presentation
Essay Plan
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Poster (40%)
Essay (60%)
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
GUIDANCE FOR SELECTING OPTION RANGE B MODULES
It may be necessary for you to enrol on a particular module, or modules, depending on
which degree programme you plan to progress on to. Details of which modules are required
for individual degree programmes can be found in the table below.
Degree Programme
Option Range B
(Required Choice 1)
N/A
Option Range B
(Required Choice 2)
N/A
English Literature (with a Foundation
Year) (Q30F)
Literature and the
Humanities
N/A
Film and Television Studies (with a
Foundation Year) (W61F)
Introduction to Visual
Cultures
N/A
History (with a Foundation Year) (V10F)
History and Society
N/A
History of Art (with a Foundation Year)
(V35F)
Introduction to Visual
Cultures
N/A
Philosophy (with a Foundation Year)
(V50F)
N/A
N/A
Politics (with a Foundation Year) (L20F)
What is Politics?
N/A
Intercultural Communication with
Business Management (with a
Foundation Year) (Q9NF)
N/A
N/A
American Studies (3 Year) (with a
Foundation Year) (T70A)
In order select a Beginners’ Language module (II) in this semester you must have completed
the corresponding Beginners’ Language module (I) in the autumn semester.
If you are considering requesting a transfer to an alternative programme within the Faculty
please discuss your module choices with your adviser.
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook
TIMETABLE INFORMATION
In order to make the best use of the UEA’s teaching accommodation, the teaching day has
been divided into five two-hour resource slots. The teaching day commences at 9am and
runs into the evenings. Whilst rooms are booked by the hour, students should note that
teaching sessions should last no longer than 50 minutes and are expected to commence and
end at the following times:
• Modules running in the mornings (slots 1& 2) will start on the hour and finish at 50
minutes past the hour
• Modules running in the afternoons and evenings (slots 3, 4 & 5) will start 10 minutes past
the hour and finish on the hour.
• These start and end times guarantee a minimum 20 minute break in the middle of the day
for students and staff.
Lectures will always be scheduled somewhere in their advertised slot but some seminar,
workshop, tutorial groups and field trips may end up in a different slot if timetable pressures
dictate, but there will usually be a choice of such groups.
Scheduling regular teaching sessions on Wednesday afternoons is avoided WHERE
POSSIBLE, but this time may be used for tests, practicals etc., if no alternative time can be
found.
With respect to the information provided to students, we will try to ensure that this is
presented to you in terms of days and times of teaching as opposed to codes or slots, but
the information is here is you require it.
DISCLAIMER: timetables are complicated things and unexpected changes can happen! We
do try and keep you as updated as much as possible, please check your UEA email and
your personalised timetable daily.
UG/HUM/Course Specific/HUM Foundation Year/Module Handbook