Modules

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

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
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 other cultural artefacts, such as film or television, 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 at honours level, 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 studied on the module, that is you will be conversant with its primary tenets and will be able to critically engage with the theory and its potential limitations. You will have identified at least one literary text or other cultural artefact which would reward scrutiny through this theoretical lens; you will have demonstrated an ability to successfully apply your chosen theory to that text or artefact. The specific module content will vary to take optimal advantage of the contemporary theoretical developments and staff research expertise. Indicative subsections of this module may include: Ferdinand de Saussure's theory of the sign and Roland Barthes on signs and mythologies in culture; Marxist theory; Michel Foucault on panoptic surveillance; postcolonial theory and critical race studies; disability studies; Judith Butler and gender studies; environmental humanities and posthumanism.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate critical understanding of some of the broad theoretical positions within Cultural, Screen 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
2026/7, Trimester 1, In Person, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
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)NESH Description
Face To Face Tutorial 10 Tutorials will be facilitated by your tutor; they will focus on discussion, on close reading and analysis of the assigned theoretical material, as well as examples for application. Tutorials are a space to consolidate and deepen your knowledge and understanding acquired through assigned readings and lectures. They are also a space to ask questions, to develop your voice and learn from each other. The exact format will vary from week to week; usually it will involve some discussion in the group as a whole, and some interactive activities in pairs or smaller groups before feeding back to the whole class. However, you will be able to work individually and quietly if you prefer. Tutorials are a space where you are encouraged to explore ideas tentatively and experiment with theoretical ideas and possibilities for application. These discussions and activities are designed to build your confidence and understanding of the material with a view to the assessments. To get full benefit from tutorials and to make a positive contribution to tutorials as a collective learning space, you are expected to come prepared, having engaged with the assigned reading and the lecture material. However, your tutor and peers will support you if that has not been possible during that week.
Face To Face Lecture 20 Lectures will provide an introductory overview of each of the assigned theoretical approaches as well as offering some brief examples for application. Each lecture will take a slightly different format, but usually, interactive elements will be incorporated into the lecture, encouraging you to work with peers to discuss specific concepts or examples, and to generate questions. Lectures are meant to set a context for more in-depth exploration of assigned readings and examples for application taking place in tutorials. Lecture slides will be provided in advance of the session, allowing you to access the material before you come to class, if you wish. To get full benefit from the lecture, you are expected to come prepared having done the assigned reading in advance, although explanation and support will be available if that has not been possible during that week.
Online Guided independent study 160 Throughout the trimester, you are expected to complete assigned reading and related tasks in preparation of classes and assessments. These tasks can be done flexibly according to your preferences. You are encouraged to engage with Moodle resources each week and to read more widely, following suggestions for recommended reading provided on Moodle and on the Leganto Reading List. You will also need to schedule time to plan and complete your assessments. You are encouraged to make use of your module leader's drop-in times to discuss and receive formative feedback on your assessment plans .
Online Guided independent study 10 There is a Reading Week during which no classes take place. You should use this week to finalise the first assignment, organise your module materials, catch up on reading and/or read ahead for the upcoming weeks.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Reflective Log 40 1 Week 7 , WORDS= 1500 words For this assessment, you are asked to write three 500-word commentaries on specified passages from the assigned theoretical readings. This assessment is designed to help you build confidence in handling theoretical material, developing skills and preparing you for the final assessment along the way. The assignment asks for a mixture of an analytical and reflective writing style, and further guidance will be provided. You will need to closely analyse details from the assigned passages as well as reflect on your learning. As part of the reflective element, you are asked to discuss how tutorial discussion aided your understanding of the theoretical texts. As an alternative, if you cannot attend the tutorial every week, you can reflect on how engagement with module materials on Moodle supported your learning process. You will have some choice as to which theoretical passages you would like to comment on, allowing you to take ownership of this assignment and thus making this assessment student-centred. Further reasonable adjustments can be made available upon request.
Essay 60 2~3~4 Week 13 , WORDS= 2500w/3-4min You will be able to choose between two options, both of which are student-centred and student-defined: you select the focus of your assessment. Option One: 2500-word essay. Choosing one of the theoretical passages studied on this module, you will apply key concepts and ideas from this passage to a literary text or cultural artefact of your choice (e.g. a film, television show or video game). The aim of the assessment is to advance your skills in understanding, critically evaluating and applying theoretical knowledge in written form. You are also expected to contextualise your own approach and application within wider scholarly research on the chosen topic, demonstrating engagement with relevant reading from the module Leganto List and beyond. Option Two: 3-4 minute video essay with 400-word written reflective commentary. It is possible to submit the video essay as a pair, if pre-approved by the module leader (individual reflective commentaries have to be completed with the pair option). Choosing one of the theoretical passages studied on this module, you will apply key concepts and ideas from this passage to a visual text of your choice. The aim of the assessment is to advance your skills in understanding, critically evaluating and applying theoretical knowledge in visual form. The reflective commentary provides an opportunity to present your critical thinking behind and reflection on your theoretical, technical and creative choices. You are also expected to contextualise your own approach and application within wider scholarly research on the chosen topic, demonstrating engagement with relevant reading from the module Leganto List and beyond. The two assessment options allow for flexibility and choice. Further reasonable adjustments can be made available upon request.
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
 

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