Unit name | Representations: (Re)-making the World |
---|---|
Unit code | AFAC10009 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Ms. Amy Laurent |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Arts Faculty Office |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit aims to introduce students to a variety of theoretical perspectives on representation in the arts and humanities and in wider society. The theoretical issues under consideration may include metaphor, allegory and figurative perspectives; 'objective' representation and questions of interpretation; realism and discourse; signification and absence; ideology; the creation of stereotypes; the creation of meaning; and the use of critical perspectives to name and/or re-make the world.
Normally, these issues will be considered within the unit under one thematic heading, which might vary from year-to-year, e.g. race, slavery, gender, the Islamic world, old age or childhood. The issues will usually be considered through 5 'case studies' of representation, which might include (as examples) a novel or memoir, a painting, a philosophical or theological essay, a film and a television programme.
In addition to the theoretical questions that are introduced, students will have an opportunity to consider practical questions arising from the unit, and particularly issues about representation within arts/culture in society and about the perspectives that are normally heard or which may go unrepresented in the academy. These perspectives will be considered in part through contributions to the teaching on the unit by external experts such as members of local community organisations and professionals from related disciplines, e.g. a novelist, a television producer, an activist or a lawyer specialising in issues related to culture.
The assessment for the unit will allow students to specialise in either the academic or practical questions raised, and will provide an opportunity to undertake group work.
The unit will normally include an introduction to relevant issues – such as managing difficult situations and health and safety – for those undertaking working in/with the community.
On successful completion of this unit, student will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback. There may be contributions to teaching in the seminars from external participants, e.g. from representatives of local community organisations and professionals from related fields, alongside input from academic tutors.
For this unit, students will complete one written assignment of 2,500 words (100% of the unit mark). This assignment will take the form of one of the three assessments listed below:
John Berger, Ways of Seeing (London: Penguin Classics, 2008)
Homi Bhaba, The Location of Culture (London: Routledge, 2004)
Stuart Hall, Cultural Studies 1983 (London and Durham: Duke University Press, 2016)
Bell Hooks, Teaching to Transgress (London: Routledge, 1994)
Bouaventura De Sousa Santos (ed.), Another Knowledge is Possible: Beyond Northern Epistemologies (London: Verso, 2007)