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Module Content and Indicative Topics

This module builds upon the LCUL0001 Language, Culture and Representation core course from year one (though students are not required to have taken it). The aim of this module is to get students to practice applying cultural theory to a wide range of texts and materials. Students will read a selection of original writings from famous cultural theorists as well as examples of academic applications of these theories. They will then analyze original fiction/film/art in light of the theorists they have studied. Each week students will be asked to either present on this material or to write short non-assessed pieces of writing. We will spend part of every lesson assessing student writing and ideas to polish and perfect their academic writing and critical thinking around complex academic and media texts.

The module will cover the following topics, which may be subject to variation depending on developments in academic research and the interests of the class:

Core Theoretical texts by authors such as: Michel Foucault, Judith Butler, Susan Sontag, Goyatry Spivak, Chandra Mohanty, Gilles Deleuze, Giorgio Agamben, Antonio Gramsci, Paul Gilroy, Marco D’Eramo.

Secondary sources engaging with the core text are found and presented by students.

Examples of media texts analysed in light of theories presented in past classes: Michael Haneke’s film ‘Cache/Hidden’ (2005), Television Series ‘Westworld’, Tweets from Donald Trump’s 2016 Election Campaign,

Media responses to #MeToo Twitter campaign 2017, Videos of Police Brutality, Political speeches by Theresa May

Teaching Delivery

The module is designed to be a hands-on student-led practical module. Classes are therefore taught in a collaborative style and students are asked to present and read writing and ideas elaborated in class often on the spot (but in a kindly and supportive manner). Students are expected to read the core texts and prepare their own ‘thinking points’ which form the basis for a tutor-led presentation for three of the lessons (which are delivered in discussion with the students) In-class presentations and focused critiques of writings prepared by students in advance are essential components of the teaching delivery.

In preparation for class you may be asked to:

• Read core texts and prepare ‘thinking points’ that will form the basis for class discussion.
• Search for secondary readings that engage with core texts and be prepared to present them to the class.
• Write two paragraphs summarising a theoretical concept (for example Foucault’s idea of ‘discipline’) or ideas discussed in class to be shared with classmates and critiqued in class.
• Watch films/ find visual material/ analyze tweets/ read and watch political speeches/viral videos/newspaper campaigns.

By the end of the module, you will

1. Be familiar with and able to present ideas from three key cultural theorists
2. Have developed a critical eye on your own writing and deepened your understanding of effective techniques for argumentation and academic writing.
3. Increased your confidence in how to ‘apply’ academic theory to a wide range of contemporary sources.
4. Have received direct and constructive feedback on your writing and presentation skills in a variety of formats.
5. Engaged deeply with the writings and ideas of fellow students and worked collaboratively to produce short written and oral materials.

Preliminary reading list

• Longhurst, Brian and Greg Smith, Gaynor Bagnall, Garry Crawford and Miles Ogborn, Introducing Cultural Studies (Third Edition). London: Routledge 2017. [Text Wrapping Break]•Szeman, Imre and Timothy Kaposy (eds), Cultural Theory: An Anthology. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.