Module: HIS4111-20 Narratives of Belonging

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Jenni Lewis

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.lewis@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

The stories we relate about ourselves and others are not simply about who we  are and where we come from. These narratives play a crucial role in shaping our identities, histories, politics, beliefs, and values; and when we make/share them – whether in words, images, objects, or practices – we are in part making sense of how and where we belong in the world.

This module aims to introduce you to the study of the uses and abuses of narrative in the construction of all aspects of cultural and social meaning – from crafting the stories consumed as fiction in novels, dramas, television and film to recounting the events in a history, or the structuring of an argument claiming to establish a ‘truth’ or articulate a community of religious belief. You will work with tutors with backgrounds in history, literature, philosophy, politics and religions to critically examine the importance of narrative from a range of connected perspectives: how do writers convince their readers of the ‘realism’ of their narratives, even when they are pure fantasy? Why do historians rely on narrative devices to make sense of the complexity of historical events – and do we get the ‘histories we deserve’? What happens when we start to see questions of truth, knowledge and justice in narrative terms? How powerful are narratives for creating a shared sense of national and/or religious belonging? When individuals or groups find themselves ‘written out’ of the official, or dominant, historical narrative, how have they – as writers, thinkers, historians, activists – sought to ‘re-write’ these histories? When people share fake news and conspiracy theories via social media ‘echo-chambers’, how are these narratives best challenged? Do our narratives appropriately reflect the ‘place’ of human beings in a world that is always more-than-human?

Throughout this module you will have opportunities to focus on texts related to your own discipline(s) as well as encountering surprising parallels between literary, historical, philosophical and political narratives. Through group-based seminar work and assessments you will be encouraged to develop a practical as well as critical understanding of narrative as you reflect on your own learning journey through the module.

2. Outline syllabus:

An indicative list of session themes would include a range of topics that relate to local places and history in connection to global political and cultural issues.

For example:

● What does a community hold ‘in common’?

● Changing narratives of nationhood

● Secular and religious concepts of community

● Place, identity and belonging

● What stories do we believe in?

● Ethics of self-care and care for others

● Narratives of exile and migration

● Cosmopolitan citizenship

● Whose heritage is included?

● Visible and invisible legacies of slavery

● Local-global connections

● More-than-human stories

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Weekly 4-hour teaching will consist of a combination of

● Lectures

● Seminars

● Tutorials

● Visits

● Practical skills workshops

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Critical reflection (1,500 words)

• % Weighting: 30%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Negotiated project (2,500 words or equivalent)

• % Weighting: 70%