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Module Catalogue

IP205-30 Consumption

Department
Liberal Arts
Level
Undergraduate Level 3
Module leader
Kirsten Harris
Credit value
30
Module duration
23 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

This is a core module in the second year of the the BA in Liberal Arts course. It complements the other core module with each exploring a major organizing concept of contemporary society from different intellectual perspectives.

Module web page

Module aims

This module complements its sister Y2 core module in Sustainability with each exploring a major organizing concept of contemporary society from different intellectual perspectives. Where Sustainability draws on contemporary ecological, economic and regulatory challenges and the development of effective evidence-based policy, Consumption instead primarily focuses on cultural interventions and sociological and historical theoretical frameworks. The module critically examines the role that
consumption plays in contemporary society, analysing different theorisations of processes of consumption and cultural works which engage with issues of consumption. Using a transdisciplinary Problem-Based learning approach, this module will encourage students to interrogate problems at the intersection of the arts, humanities and social sciences.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Term 1

  1. Defining Consumption
  2. Historical Contexts
  3. Consumption in the Nineteenth-Century
  4. Conspicuous Consumption
  5. Commodification
  6. Consumer Activism
  7. The House of Mirth
  8. The Self in Consumer Society
  9. Landscapes of Consumption
  10. Presentations
    Term 2
  11. The Culture Industry
  12. Pop Art
  13. American Psycho
  14. Eating the Other
  15. Grime Music
  16. Inconspicuous Consumption
  17. Eating Out
  18. Anticonsumerism
  19. Sustainable Consumption
  20. Review
    Term 3
  21. Research project guidance
  22. Research project guidance
  23. Research project guidance

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of historical, sociological and cultural theorisations of consumption, and critically assess a range of frameworks and methodologies.
  • Analyse the language of consumption, and representations and interventions in literature, visual culture and music.
  • Critically consider notions of use, value, waste and decay in relation to consumption.
  • Explore problems and generate well-informed responses to a wide range of issues relating to consumption.
  • Demonstrate advanced cognitive skills such as critical analysis, source-text analysis, qualitative research methods, and oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate meta-cognitive skills such as: planning how to approach a learning task and identifying the appropriate strategies to solve a problem.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use methodologies from sociology, visual cultures, history, English studies, and cultural studies to analyse a range of sources in cultural and historical perspective.

Interdisciplinary

This is a core module on the BA in Liberal Arts course which offers a unique transdisciplinary learning experience enabling students to achieve breadth and depth of knowledge

Subject specific skills

Analytical skills attained through analysis of the language of consumption, and representations and interventions in literature,visual culture and music
Critical evaluation skills attained through consideration of notions of use, value, waste and decay in relation to consumption

Transferable skills

Advanced cognitive skills such as critical analysis, source-text analysis, qualitative research methods and oral and written communication skills
Meta-cognitive skills such as: planning how to approach a learning task and identifying the appropriate strategies to solve a problem.

Study time

Type Required
Seminars 20 sessions of 2 hours (13%)
Project supervision 3 sessions of 2 hours (2%)
Practical classes (0%)
Private study 254 hours (85%)
Total 300 hours

Private study description

Reading, research, preparation for seminars

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A2
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Text Response Paper (1500 words) 25% Yes (extension)

Text response
Group Presentation 10% Yes (extension)

Presentation
Critical Appraisal (1500 words) 25% Yes (extension)

Critical Appraisal
Research Project, or equivalent output (3000 words) 40% Yes (extension)

Research Project, or equivalent output
Feedback on assessment

Feedback for the short essay, critical appraisal and research project will be provided in writing through Tabula. Students will be encouraged to make use of office hours to discuss and reflect on feedback received. Students will be given group and individual feedback on their group presentations in dedicated office hours.

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • Year 2 of UVCA-LA99 Undergraduate Liberal Arts