Module Details

Module Code: CULT H8021
Full Title: Introduction to Cultural Theory
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Fiona Fearon
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: This module introduces students to the fundamental themes and concerns of cultural and literary theory. It offers a chronological approach to the development of theories of culture, linking these developments to social and political contexts. It introduces them to a number of influential theorists of culture, and gives them the opportunity to engage with a number of key theoretical texts. A key focus of the module is on the issue of representation and the importance, as students of Arts and Humanities, to be aware of the ideological function of cultural texts, including digital texts.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Appraise the role of cultural theory in evaluating culture and literature
MLO2 Explain the development of a number of different theories of culture
MLO3 Assess the ways in which theories of culture reflect their social and political contexts
MLO4 Evaluate the contribution made by a number of key theorists of culture
MLO5 Apply their knowledge of cultural theories to a variety of cultural texts.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Key Concepts in Analysing Literature and Culture
The Canon; Ideology; Hegemony; Semiotics; Structuralism; Post-Structuralism; Discourse; Representations; Modernism and Post-Modernism
Themes in Cultural and Literary Theory
Identity; Gender and Sexuality; Race; Post-colonialism and national identity
Critical Thinkers in Culture and Literature
Key figures discussed could include, Matthew Arnold; Richard Hoggart;Raymond Williams;Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer; Walter Benjamin and Bertholt Brecht; Foucault; Stuart Hall; Laura Mulvey; bell hooks; Gayatri Spivak, Edward Said and Homi K. Bhabha; John Fiske
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
There will be two definitions tests, in mid semester and end of the semester, covering the theories covered in the first and second part of the semester respectively.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 25
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 13 Learning Outcome 1,3,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will research and write one 1000 essay which uses one of the theories discussed to analyze one of the set texts from their Literature modules. The essay should be on a different cultural theory to that covered in their presentation.
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 25
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing Every Week Learning Outcome 1,3,4
Duration in minutes 60
Assessment Description
Participation in class discussion on prepared readings, and evidence of engagement with theories and texts discussed
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
There will be two definitions tests, in mid semester and end of the semester, covering the theories covered in the first and second part of the semester respectively.
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 25
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 13 Learning Outcome 3,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will research and write one 1000 essay which uses one of the theories discussed to analyze one of the set texts from their Literature modules. The essay should be on a different cultural theory to that covered in their presentation.
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 25
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing Every Week Learning Outcome 3,4
Duration in minutes 60
Assessment Description
Participation in class discussion on prepared readings, and evidence of engagement with theories and texts discussed
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Cultural Theory Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact Seminar Readings and Discussion Every Week 1.00 1
Directed Reading Non Contact Proscribed Readings Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Cultural Theory Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact Proscribed Readings Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Online (Contact) Contact Seminar Readings and Discussion Every Week 1.00 1
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Peter Barry. (2017), Beginning Theory, 4th. Manchester University Press, Manchester.
  • Chris Barker. (2011), Cultural Studies: Theory and Practice, Fourth Edition. Sage, Thousand Oaks.
  • Robert Eaglestone. (2009), Doing English: A Guide for Literature Students, Third Edition, Routledge, London and New York.
  • John Storey. (2018), An Introductory Guide to Cultural Theory and Popular Culture, 8th Edition. Pearson Longman.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Brian Longhurst, et. al.. (2016), Introducing Cultural Studies, Third Edition. Pearson Longman, London.
  • Vincent B. Leitch. (2010), The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism, Second Edition. Norton, London.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources