Module: INT5001-20 Comparative Cultures and Politics in Practise

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor:  

Module Tutor Contact Details: 

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module encourages you to develop and apply knowledge and skills in cross cultural understanding and communication in practical, real world contexts. It will  (re)introduce the concept, history and criticisms of ‘soft power’ (Nye 1990), or  ‘cultural diplomacy’, by exploring ongoing debates over the future of states as the  sole or even principal actors within international relations in an era of greater  interdependence, drawing on case studies of cultural organisations like the British  Council (UK) and the Confucius Institute (China). Alongside these studies, you will  develop and research your own practical project as part of a small team in relation to  the work of one of the University's international or internationally connected partners.  This might be another higher education institution (via the GALA network) and/or a  local/regional partner organisation in the arts, cultural and heritage sectors with their  own transnational networks. In this way, this module will help you to apply your  subject knowledge, skills and insights to a specific problem, issue or debate; to  broaden that knowledge and understanding by considering how your organisation  has responded to these challenges; and to work as part of a team to come up with  creative, practical solutions to your defined problem.

The module is led by scholars and practitioners from Bath Spa University, but will  involve guest or joint sessions with colleagues from other universities and by relevant  professionals. The topics available in any year will change, reflecting the dynamic  environment of cultural, political and policy issues, and the ways in which they affect  the work of our various partners.

2. Outline syllabus: 

The syllabus for each year will reflect the chosen topic. It will include:

• Defining and debating ‘soft power’ and ‘cultural diplomacy’ in the digital era

• Researching case studies

• Defining the context for research: an overview of available resources and current debates; access to data and ethical review; the needs of our partners

• Defining the problem: creating a research question; setting its scope and limits; clarifying aims and methods

• Project management, including allocation of roles and resources, delivery planning, budgeting and reviewing

• Presenting to an audience: defining options, solutions and possibilities;  adapting outcomes in response to feedback, challenges and alternatives;  reflective evaluation

Projects are likely to be undertaken in small groups, but we will always try to end the  module with an opportunity for everyone to showcase their work more widely – for  peers, to the rest of the University, and to our partners.

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

This module involves some or all of the following activities, partly determined by the  specific project themes for that year:

• Lectures, seminars, workshops, masterclasses, including those delivered online and by outside speakers

• Group work, discussion and negotiation

• Project planning and design workshops

• Review and evaluation tutorials

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Partnership project (3,500 words or equivalent)

• % Weighting: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Presentation and reflection (1,500 words)

• % Weighting: 30%