Core Module Information
Module title: Cultural and Literary Theory: Debates and Applications

SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: CLP09129
Module leader: Anne Schwan
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Media and Humanities
Prerequisites

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Description of module content:

This module is designed to introduce you to some of the key theoretical approaches, concepts and debates in cultural analysis and/or literary studies. You will encounter a range of influential critical theories, and in each case will be invited to assess their potential usefulness for your own research interests. The module’s assessments give you opportunities to apply your theoretical knowledge by analysing literary texts or cultural artefacts, inviting you to use theoretical tools to uncover key aesthetic, social, economic, and political dimensions of your chosen text. The module is focused on helping you become confident with critical tools, and ready to apply them in your own independent research, for example in the context of the final-year dissertation. The module also aims to give you an understanding of the connections between different theoretical perspectives.

By the end of the module you will have a sophisticated, detailed critical understanding of at least one theoretical approach, that is you will be conversant with its primary tenets. You will be aware of how that theory has been refined and altered over time, and you will be able to critically engage with the theory and its potential limitations. You will have identified possible literary texts or other cultural artefacts which would reward scrutiny through this theoretical lens.

The specific module content will vary to take optimal advantage of the contemporary theoretical developments and staff research expertise. Indicative subsections of this module are likely to include: Marxist theory; Ferdinand de Saussure’s theory of the sign and Roland Barthes on signs and mythologies; Michel Foucault on panoptic surveillance; postcolonial theory and critical race studies; theories of digital identities; Judith Butler and gender performativity; theories of masculinity.

Learning Outcomes for module:

LO1: Demonstrate critical understanding of some of the broad theoretical positions within Cultural Studies and/or Literary Studies.
LO2: Demonstrate substantive and detailed understanding of one particular theoretical approach.
LO3: Critically evaluate the validity of specific theoretical methodologies in particular contexts.
LO4: Apply theoretical knowledge to a chosen literary text or cultural artefact.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2023/4, Trimester 1, FACE-TO-FACE,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Anne Schwan
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Tutorial 10
Face To Face Lecture 20
Independent Learning Guided independent study 170
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Essay 40 1 7 HOURS= 00.00, WORDS= 1500
Essay 60 2,3,4 13 HOURS= 00.00, WORDS= 2500
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
CLP09129 Cultural and Literary Theory: Debates and Applications