Cultural Politics
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC2019 | Media, Languages and Cultures | 2 | 10 | Spring Malaysia |
- Code
- MLAC2019
- School
- Media, Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring Malaysia
Summary
This module develops the political dimension of theoretical approaches to culture and communications. Looking at everyday forms and practices, the course highlights the ideological investments in questions of cultural value. Concentrating on nation, race, class, gender, disability and sexuality as areas of inequality which shape, and are shaped by, cultural and communications practices, the course emphasizes the power dynamics at play in processes of cultural production, consumption and control. The programme moves from macro to micro approaches to culture beginning with broad questions around ideology, power and resistance and ending with the particulars of everyday strategies and tactics.
Target Students
Compulsory module for second year International Communication Studies students. Available as subsidiary to Year 2 and Year 3 students not registered on the above BA subject to placement test in relation to prerequisite academic skills. Available to JYA/Erasmus students. Available to JYA/Erasmus students. There is a limited number of places on this module. Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the Offering School in advance may be cancelled without notice. Available to JYA/Erasmus students.
Classes
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks
Assessment
- 70% Coursework 1: 2,000 - 2,500 word essay
- 30% Assignment: Project
Educational Aims
To familiarize students with the ethical and political dimensions of cultural and critical theory.To encourage students to make politicized decisions regarding the appropriateness of particular theoretical approaches to concrete situations.To enable students to analyse the complex cultural politics of their own everyday lives.Learning Outcomes
A Knowledge and Understanding: This module will provide students with:
- a broad knowledge of the terrain of cultural politics;
- theoretical techniques for the analysis of cultural forms and practices with an awareness of their political impact;
- knowledge of the forms taken by power relationships within culture;
- an appreciation of the processes by which power/ideology enters our lives and affects everyday experience.
B Intellectual Skills: This module will encourage:
- the ability to research, gather information and analyse events, situations, and their representations;
- critical awareness of the cultural politics of one’s own everyday life;
- reflect upon the limits of particular arguments and methodological approaches.
C Transferable (key) Skills: This module will enhance transferable skills such as:
- retrieving, presenting and communicating complex information clearly in oral and written forms;
- working effectively in groups exercising initiative, self-discipline and sensitivity to others;
- reflecting upon one’s own cultural commitments and practices in relation to those of others and appreciating the ethical and political basis of such considerations;
- planning and organization skills, including working to deadline and managing resources.