UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Module Specification
1.
The title of the module
Contemporary Culture (SO335)
2.
The School which will be responsible for management of the module
School of Social Policy, Sociology, and Social research
3.
The Start Date of the Module
January 2011
4.
The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable
September 2010 entrants onwards
5.
The number of students expected to take the module
100
6.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and
consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the
withdrawal
SO304 Studying Modern Culture
7.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or
Postgraduate [M])
C (FHEQ Level: 4)
8.
The number of credits which the module represents
15 credits
9.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Spring
10.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
11.
The programmes of study to which the module contributes
Compulsory:
BA Cultural Studies
BA Film and Cultural Studies
BA Criminology and Cultural Studies
BA Cultural Studies and Anthropology
BA Cultural Studies and Comparative Literary Studies
BA Cultural Studies and History and Philosophy of Art
BA Cultural Studies with Philosophy
BA Cultural Studies with a Modern Languages (Spanish, Italian or German)
Optional for students on other degree programmes, including those that choose it as
a wild module.
12.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their
relationship to programme learning outcomes
At the end of the module students will be able to:
 Situate the idea of ‘contemporary culture’ and of ‘the contemporary’ within a
philosophical and historical context. Specifically BA Cultural Studies A1
(knowledge and understanding of the complexity of culture as a contested object of
inquiry); A5 (knowledge and understanding of the relation between cultural texts
(e.g. artistic, literary, media, social, political, scientific) and the historical contexts of
their production and reception); B2 (Critical evaluation of scholarship and ideas,
both classical and contemporary); B6 (ability to identify, evaluate and construct
arguments); C3 (The ability to account for and criticise the interrelation of aesthetic
cultural practices and forms and the social and political contexts of their
emergence and affect). D6 (Graduates will possess skills of expression in written
and oral form; be adept at representing both the ideas of others as well as their
own and will be able to argue for and justify their views).
 Implement key analytical approaches for the study of contemporary culture
through case studies. Specifically B4 (Application of cultural theory to both
familiar and unfamiliar cultural material, phenomena and contexts); A10
(knowledge and understanding of a wide range of disciplinary approaches to
culture and the distinctive character of cross-disciplinarity in the production of new
knowledge in Cultural Studies), A9 (knowledge and understanding of the nature of
the cultural impact of new technologies); A2, (knowledge and understanding of the
role of the media and cultural institutions play in society); A3 (the role and function
of cultural forms as sources of popular knowledge and ideas); B1 (ability to
analyse a wide range of cultural forms), C4 (The ability to evaluate theoretical
models and paradigms of cultural production, consumption and reception); C5
(ability to integrate diverse sources of cultural information and produce new
knowledge); D1 (study and learn independently, using library and internet
sources); D2 (Graduates will be able to reflect on and understand the
accumulation of knowledge about cultural practices diversely understood).
 Understand contemporary culture through an inter-disciplinary body of work.
Specifically A10 (knowledge and understanding of a wide range of disciplinary
approaches to culture and the distinctive character of cross-disciplinarity in the
production of new knowledge in Cultural Studies); C2 (Conception and application
of cross-disciplinary strategies of investigation of cultural issues, themes and
topics).
 Understand the contemporary cultural conjuncture as a political, economic
and social phenomenon. Specifically A7 (understand that culture is both product
and process and gives rise to social and political ‘forms of life’); A4 (knowledge
and understanding of the ways in which people engage with cultural texts and
practices and make meaning from them); A6 (Different moides of modern global,
international, nation and local cultural experience); C2 (the ability to identify and
analyse ethical and political subject matters represented in media culture of all
kinds); C3 (The ability to account for and criticise the interrelation of aesthetic
cultural practices and forms and the social and political contexts of their
emergence and affect);
13.
The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship
to programme learning outcomes;
At the end of the module, students will be able to:
 Understand cultural studies as a cross-disciplinary critical practice applied
to social and cultural phenomena. Specifically BA Cultural Studies A10
(knowledge and understanding of a wide range of disciplinary approaches to
culture and the distinctive character of cross-disciplinarity in the production of new
knowledge in Cultural Studies), B2 (Critical evaluation of scholarship and ideas,
both classical and contemporary), B3 9 Representation in language of the views
and ideas of others) , B4 (Application of cultural theory to both familiar and
unfamiliar cultural material, phenomena and contexts), C1 (conception and
application of cross-disciplinary strategies of investigation of cultural issues,
themes, topics). Key Skills 1 (communication), 5 (Improving own learning and
performance) and 6 (problem solving).
 Understand elements of cultural theory and its relation to cultural analysis.
Specifically BA Cultural Studies B5 (Expression of own ideas in oral and written
communication), B6 (Ability to identify, evaluate and to construct arguments), C5
(Ability to integrate diverse sources of cultural information and produce new
knowledge). Key Skills 1 (communication), 5 (Improving own learning and
performance) and 6 (problem solving).
 Enhance their skills of presentation and debate. Specifically, BA Cultural
Studies D6 (Graduates will possess skills of expression in written and oral forms;
be adept at representing both the ideas of others as well as their own and will be
able to argue for and justify their views.) Key Skills 1 (communication), 4 (working
with others) and 5 (improving own learning and performance).
 Gain ability to assess critically, scholarly theory, hypotheses and theses and
their implications. Specifically, BA Cultural Studies B3 (Representation in
language of the views and ideas of others), B4 (Application of cultural theory to
both familiar and unfamiliar cultural material, phenomena and contexts), B6 (Ability
to identify, evaluate and to construct arguments), D3 (Graduates will have the
ability to reflect on and understand the accumulation of knowledge about cultural
practices diversely understood). Key Skill 6 (problem solving).
 Enhance library-based study skills, use of web-based resources and the
discipline of close reading of key texts in cultural theory. Specifically, BA
Cultural Studies, D1 (Graduates will be skilled at gathering and collating, retrieving
and synthesising information drawn from a variety of sources (Library, IT, CDROM, Press, etc.) – textual, visual, popular and academic, in traditional formats as
well as electronic). Key Skill 3 (information technology)
14.
A synopsis of the curriculum
Contemporary culture is 'now-time' culture, but when did 'now’ begin - and, will it be
over before the course starts? This module focuses on analysing contemporary
culture and contemporary cultural forms and aims to demonstrate the range of
possible interpretations that culture can be open to. It raises questions about how
culture can be viewed from aesthetic, political, ethical and economic perspectives.
What is culture really for? Is it product or a process? Who owns it? Is it for fun or is it
deadly serious? In order to think through contemporary issues such as
multiculturalism and otherness, and what they might imply about our changing
perceptions of space, place, and belonging, we'll be taking a case study approach to
a range of cultural products and objects, media and institutions, and post-modern
practices of communication: including such things as maps and satnavs; internet
pirates; social networking technologies like Facebook and Twitter; gossip magazines;
conspiracy theories; plastic surgery and tattooing; 3D movie experiences; and
interactive video games such as Wii. This module aims to understand the
transformation of culture and everyday life we are living through and the way it
changes who we are.
15.
Indicative Reading List
 Barker C (2000) Cultural Studies: Theory and Practice. Sage.
 Kirkby, A. (2009) Digimodernism. Continuum. Longhurst B et al (2008) Introducing
Cultural Studies. Prentice-Hall.
 McGuigan J (2006) Modernity and Postmodern Culture. OUP.
 Mikula M (2008) Key Concepts in Cultural Studies. Palgrave.
16.
Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact
hours and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how
these relate to achievement of the intended learning outcomes
Total contact time: 22 hours (11 lectures and 11 seminars)
Lectures will be used to disseminate key information on the week’s topic. A broad
overview of the area will be presented, key issues will be examined and sources of
further information and enquiry will be referenced, allowing the topic to be further
developed during private study time. Lectures will cover the SSLOs 1-4 and GLO 1-5.
Seminars will provide a forum for more in-depth debate and discussion, allowing
students to develop their academic arguments and their presentation skills. Seminars
will also offer an opportunity for in-depth discussion of core readings, encouraging
students to develop critical and analytical skills. Seminars will allow further
development of SSLOs 1-4 and GLOs 1-5.
In addition to the specified contact hours students will be expected to undertake
approximately 11 hours per week of private study. The total study time for the module
will be 150 hours. Private study time allows students to read widely in the relevant
areas, prepare for seminars, examine issues in detail and work on their coursework
requirements. Appropriate support will be given in the form of extensive reading lists
and internet resources. Private study time will also contribute to the achievement of
SSLOs 1-4 and GLOs 1-5.
Extensive use will be made (in both lectures and seminars) of audiovisual aids and
Web based material.
17.
Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the
intended learning outcomes
One essay of 1,500 words will be assessed and form 30% of the final module mark.
This coursework essay will allow students to develop an understanding of specific
topics covered in the module (SSLOs 1-4) and to practice the GLOs 1-5.
Students will also have to give a presentation on a week-specific topic and their class
participation will be evaluated (SSLO 1-4; GLO 1-5). The presentation and class
participation will jointly constitute 20% of the final module mark.
Students will sit a 2 hour examination which constitutes 50% of the final mark. This
will allow students to develop an understanding of specific topics covered in the
module (SSLOs 1-4) and to practice the GLOs 1-5.
18.
Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
There is sufficient existing staff expertise to give lectures on this course. However, it
should be noted that the seminars of this course in its previous form have been taught
by hourly paid lecturers.
The vast majority of the written material for this course is already in the library. Some
extra copies and some new books may have to be purchased from the SSPSSR
annual library budget.
19.
A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the
curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not
present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities
As far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching
methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to
students with disabilities.
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of
Graduate Studies (as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module
proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module
proposals"
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Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of
Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)
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Date
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Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction
of the module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its
resourcing"
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Head of School
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
..............................................
Date