Introductory description

This module explores the ways culture reflects and shapes society. Students will study how cultural norms and practices influence everyday life and worldviews. The module draws on a plurality of perspectives from across the social sciences and arts to examine cultural phenomena in local and global contexts. By the end of the module, students will be able to apply key concepts to analyse cultural practices, activities, policies and spaces and demonstrate the critical thinking and analytical skills needed for undergraduate study.

Module web page

Module aims

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.

Through its units, the module addresses the various ways in which culture shapes society and society builds culture. This module will cover three topics:

1. Understanding the Multiple Dimensions of Culture: This unit explores what culture is and how it has been defined across disciplines. Some potential topics that this unit will explore are: definitions of culture and its elements; how culture has been portrayed in opposition to nature; and the way that cultural norms and values define our everyday relations.

2. Culture, social relations, and institutions: This unit addresses how culture materialises through practices and social institutions, such as public policies, industries, and everyday relationships.

3. The Reproduction and Production of Culture: This unit examines social practices that produce and reproduce culture such as cultural industries, museums, and education. It also analyses how these practices create narratives and memories about societies.

Learning outcomes

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

• Describe how culture represents and thus shapes the everyday relationships and practices of societies
• Analyse the role of cultural institutions and creative industries in contemporary society
• Apply interdisciplinary approaches to examining cultural phenomena in local and global contexts

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Interdisciplinary

Students will have opportunities to draw on knowledge and skills acquired within the different modules on their pathway.

International

All students are international, representing a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds. They bring diverse experiences and perspectives, enriching discussion and supporting the development of intercultural awareness. Examples for analysis and evaluation are drawn from a variety of countries, ensuring that teaching and learning are embedded in an international context.

Subject specific skills

Students will be able to:
Analyse the role of culture and cultural manifestations in society and how they mediate the values, ideas, and relations of societies.
Analyse cultural phenomena, how they define dominant social ideas and values, and how social groups use culture to transform them.
Communicate theoretically informed analysis of cultural issues.
Use qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather data related to culture and its many expressions.

Transferable skills

• Social phenomena analysis and research skills
• Public policy analysis skills
• Critical thinking
• Communication and presentation skills
• Collaboration and group work skills
• Data gathering skills