LAS315 Researching East Asia 1

Autumn 2025/26

20 credits

Module Organiser: Dr Anna-Viktoria Vittinghoff (a.vittinghoff@sheffield.ac.uk)

Overview

What is meant by the ‘everyday’? 

How do we identify the ‘everyday’? 

What does the ‘everyday’ look like in East Asia?

How do we better understand the ‘everyday’ through visual concepts + approaches?

These are some of the critical questions we’ll be addressing within this module. In the first half of the semester, we will focus on the theme of visualising the ‘everyday’ in East Asia, where we will apply interdisciplinary, theoretical approaches and critical thinking to a series of key readings (see specific themes below, under ‘topics’). In the second half of the semester, you will take part in practical engagement activities and creative workshops, designed to help you create and craft an independent mini-project proposal. There will also be opportunities to explore the library archives. Throughout the semester, you will be expected to conduct independent research, and use the class discussions to build upon your own interests. 

The readings and exercises in this module are designed to prepare students for the following Spring semester module, EAS31003 East Asia Research Project. 

Topics Covered

• Everyday Mobility

• Everyday Memory

• Everyday Aesthetics

• Everyday Precarity

• Everyday Identity

Skills developed

• Independent learning

• Critical ability

• Cultural intelligence 

• Digital literacy 

• Communication and Academic Writing

Study Hours

• The University recommends that you spend 200 work-hours on a 20-credit module. 

• As this is a final year ‘researching module’, the structure of the content is less traditional. The module is made up of lectures and special workshops/guest presentations. Some weeks may be more traditional in terms of content i.e lecture + seminar (particularly in the first half of the semester). The second half of the semester is dedicated to special workshops and presentations - these may vary year on year, but include (for example) a group trip to the library archives and an introductory media tour in the Diamond. 

Assessment

• Reflective Reading Portfolio 20%

• Research Project Proposal 80%