Module: PET4103-20 Worlds of Ideas

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Richard Stamp

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

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Whether we are studying history, literature or philosophy, ideas matter. But where do influential ideas – for instance, about knowledge, culture, nature, religion, and society – come from? How have these ideas changed over time? Who shapes these ideas today? And crucially, which concepts and practices really matter for an ethical, compassionate, and critical understanding of, and approach to, our contemporary world and its possible futures?

This module introduces you to culturally and historically specific ideas and ways of thinking that are widely applicable across your undergraduate studies. You will explore the linguistic, historical and philosophical contexts of our ways of making sense of the world – the concepts that we use every day and the theories that we build out of them. Working collectively, students will engage in debates about the important ideas and issues of our time through the study of ‘keywords’ – that is, ideas and concepts that have been and remain critical to our understanding of contemporary cultures and societies.

The module aims to provide students transitioning from further education to higher education with a firm understanding of the nature of knowledge, the power of ideas, and cultures of debate.

Because this module invites students to explore, discuss and debate ideas from an informed and informative position, emphasis will be placed on

● acquiring the requisite skills involved in researching (where to look for information)

● acquiring the requisite skills involved in evaluating sources of information (distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate sources)

● acquiring the requisite skills involved in using sources to form arguments and to present them to different audiences.

2. Outline syllabus:

The first half of the module introduces you to the formation, dissemination and contestation of different approaches to the production of knowledge that have developed within (and across) literary, historical, philosophical and political studies. Emphasis will be placed on historical and cultural context, critical analysis and the acquisition of interdisciplinary research skills through practical application in a series of small-scale exercises, which will build into your individual learning portfolio.

In the second half of the module you will work in small, tutor-led teams to research specific contemporary issues through the development of a group-devised ‘keyword’ project, with the syllabus adapted to enable you to explore concepts and approaches directly related to your chosen contemporary issue. Insofar as this module introduces you to the dynamic nature of knowledge in the face of an ever-changing world, the actual syllabus will remain flexible. The keywords explored will, therefore, change from year to year, as will the exact concepts, theories and approaches that we cover.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Weekly 4-hour teaching will consist of a combination of

● Lectures

● Seminars

● Collaborative workshops

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Keyword group project (individual contribution of 1,500word or equivalent)

• % Weighting: Pass/Fail

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Individual supporting portfolio (2,500 words)

• % Weighting: Pass/Fail