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| Unit name |
Constructing Identities |
| Unit code |
MODLM2042 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
M/7
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Williams |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department |
School of Modern Languages |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Arts |
Description including Unit Aims
This unit examines the significance and value of the concept of national identity, and compares it with other constructions, including regional, cultural, religious, ethnic, linguistic, and multinational identity. Through consideration of key theoretical approaches, along with the analysis of a selection of case studies focusing on individual nations, regions, or groups, students will be encouraged to reflect on generic issues in identity politics, and to illustrate these via specific examples of people in different parts of the world, from the early modern period to the present day.
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge and understanding of major strands of European thought, literature, history and culture
- Knowledge and understanding of the commonalities and diversity of European culture, broadly defined
- Students will be able to interpret and evaluate literary and other works and cultural/historical/intellectual trends
- Students will be able to synthesise information from a variety of sources, evaluate competing interpretations and make reasoned academic judgements
- Students will be able to compare the textual and other cultural products of different cultures, making fresh and imaginative connections between disparate material Students will be able to critically survey, analyse and interpret complex texts
- Students will be able to communicate effectively and present a cogent and comprehensive argument, both orally and in writing
- Students will be able to make appropriate use of information technology for research and presentation of work
- Students will be able to undertake research using appropriate source materials
- Students will be able to work independently and to deadlines, to an exacting scholarly level.
Teaching Information
2 hour weekly seminar
Assessment Information
1 x 5000 word essay
Reading and References
Key readings will vary from year to year, to reflect staff availability and contributions.
Background and introductory titles:
- Judy Giles and Tim Middleton, Studying Culture: A Practical Introduction (Oxford: Blackwells, 1999)
- Stuart Hall (ed.), Representation: Cultural Representation and Signifying Practices (London: Routledge, 1997)
- Edward Said, Culture and Imperialism (New York: Vintage, 1994)
- Raymond Williams, Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society (London: Fontana 2010 [1983]).
