Module: POL4003-20 Protest and Persuasion

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Nicola Presley

Module Tutor Contact Details: n.presley@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 shaped 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. You might be asked to help solve a contemporary problem, to respond to a current debate, or to join in one, 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. You’ll also think about the practical skills you’ll need to develop, and how these might be applied both inside and outside the University. The form of your group’s final project will be negotiated between the group and academic tutors – for example, you might decide to design an exhibit, a website, an event, a pamphlet, or a short film. This will 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 focuses on a practical, applied and multi-disciplinary approach to analysing, researching and responding to a defined problem, issue or theme. 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 can be applied in solving external problems and challenges and how it can be communicated to a range of different 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

Weekly sessions will comprise various activities, which may be taught as a single module group or in discrete project groups, including:

● Lectures

● Visiting speakers

● Workshops

● Visits off campus

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Negotiated group project (3,000 words or equivalent)

• % Weighting: 75%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Individual reflection (1,000 words)

• % Weighting: 25%