Arts in Society
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ARTS4001 | Faculty of Arts | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- ARTS4001
- School
- Faculty of Arts
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
Arts and humanities subjects are often judged as having much less impact on culture and society than STEM subjects but is this really the case? This module challenges such assessments, exploring the value of arts and humanities research, and examining the genuine impact of the arts through a series of case studies. The module explores how and why arts and humanities scholarship continues to be much maligned, how various scholars have countered this narrative, and why it remains important for us to do so. The module helps students identify and better understand their knowledge and skills, and how they might more effectively describe and use these skills beyond their current Masters programmes. This includes communicating research insights beyond the academy and to a range of different audiences and reflecting on the role and value of the arts and humanities within society. To realise these aims, students will work individually and in groups to present and write a report in response to real-world consultancy briefs from a range of external organisations. This is a genuine professional development opportunity, helping students build an academic and professional profile, and showing the potential of future careers for arts and humanities graduates. The module will be delivered by professionals within the academic sector with contributions from external speakers.
Target Students
Only available for PGT OR PGR students in the Faculty of Arts.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 10% Assignment 1: NOOC - Student must complete a series of small research based tasks.
- 30% Presentation: Group presentation - 6 minutes maximum. Presentation and slides must be submitted.
- 60% Assignment 2: Group Industry Report - maximum of 6,000 words.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module helps postgraduate students recognise the range of careers and opportunities that an Arts and Humanities MA/MRes can provide. It highlights the skills and abilities present within these programmes and provides examples of the successful application of these skills. Students will explore how subjects within the arts can be ‘applied disciplines’ that serve to be impactful in wider society through research and engagement. Through ‘live brief’ assessments, students work in groups, utilising their Arts and Humanities skill sets, to present and produce a consultancy report for a range of organisations, including SMEs/Third-sector.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
Students will:
1. understand competing accounts of the role, value and importance of the arts within society
2. develop a deeper understanding of the transferable skills and competencies afforded by their disciplinary degrees
3. Use their knowledge to identify problems within their industry brief and make informed, research-based decisions to produce solutions
Intellectual Skills:
Students will:
1. select the appropriate communicative tools to engage distinct non-academic audiences
2. develop research skills in areas beyond their disciplines and across sectors beyond the Arts
3. reflect critically on the role, value and importance of the arts within society
Professional Practical Skills:
Students will develop skills in:
1. presenting/report-writing for wider (non-academic) audiences;
2. surveying and evaluating critical writing;
3. considering the needs of different audiences and stakeholders.