Module: ENG4107-20 How to Think Together- Humanities in the 21st Century

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Richard Stamp

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.stamp@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module provides a practical introduction to the distinct yet interconnected ways of thinking about how we live in the world that are shared by what we call ‘Humanities’. You will work with a team of staff and students from programmes across the School, including English Literature, History, Heritage, Politics, and Religions, Philosophy and Ethics. Through a series of lectures, workshops and visits your team will plan, research and deliver a project on an object or topic assigned to you at the start of the module. This object could be a historical artefact or text, a building, place or location, or an everyday cultural practice, but in each case you will be introduced to useful literary, historical, political and philosophical approaches and supported in learning how to combine and apply them. The form of your group’s final project will be negotiated between the group and academic tutors – for example, you might decide to design a museum exhibit, a website, an event, a pamphlet, or even a short film.

In addition to learning to apply a wider understanding of the many-sided nature of contemporary cultural questions and problems, this module you will also help you to develop essential skills in collaboration and teamwork that will serve you well for your continuing studies in your programme of study.

2. Outline syllabus:

This module’s focus on a practical, applied and multi-disciplinary approach to analysing and researching cultural texts or objects of different kinds. Humanities tutors and visiting speakers will provide introductions to the application of key ideas and theories from their particular discipline(s), as well as presenting case studies on how this knowledge is communicated to a variety of non-academic audiences. Alongside these lectures you will work in your project team, with a team of academic tutors from different subjects, to define, research and develop your group project.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

A weekly 4-hour session will comprise various activities, which may be taught as a single module group or in discrete project groups, including:

• Lectures
• Visiting speakers
• Workshops
• Museum / gallery visits

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW
• Description: Negotiated group project (3,000 words or equivalent)
• % Weighting: 75%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW
• Description: Individual reflection (1,000 words)
• % Weighting: 25%