Modern Languages and Cultures

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTION TO CRITICAL THEORY
Code MODL503
Coordinator Dr G Mercero Altzugarai
Languages, Cultures and Film
G.Mercero-Altzugarai@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 30

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   24

        24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 276
TOTAL HOURS 300

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
There is a reassessment opportunity. Standard UoL penalties will apply. This is an anonymous assessment.    75       
Standard UoL penalties will apply. There will be a reassessment opportunity. This cannot be marked anonymously.    25       

Aims

To introduce students to various theoretical frameworks for research in Modern Languages and other disciplines related to the analysis of discourse (textual, visual) and / or other kinds of cultural materials (digital, etc);

To encourage students to consider the range of theoretical and methodological approaches which he or she could adopt in approaching his or her individual research project;

To provide students with an awareness of the key theoretical issues central to cultural studies, and to develop in them an understanding of current methodologies.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will show an understanding of recent theoretical trends in research appropriate to MA level in the fields of languages, literatures and cultures.

(LO2) Students will have acquired the ability to critically evaluate the use made by researchers of theory in framing research questions.

(LO3) Students will be able to critically evaluate the application of a theory or a methodology to a specific field of research in their language area.

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - critical analysis

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - academic writing (including referencing skills)

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - presentation skills – oral

(S4) Global citizenship - cultural awareness

(S5) Global citizenship - ethical awareness


Teaching and Learning Strategies

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.

Seminar:
The module will be taught via weekly two-hour seminars and strategies employed will include presentations by teaching staff and students, group discussions, and small group work.

In individual sessions, the student will be encouraged to consider the range of theoretical and methodological approaches which he or she could adopt in approaching his or her individual research project. The Department of Language, Cultures and Film organises research seminars regularly throughout the academic year and engagement with these is compulsory for MRes students.

Self-Directed Learning:
Building on material of the lectures, students do their own independent research and prepare and produce the assignments by which the module is assessed.


Syllabus

 

The theoretical frameworks presented in the module address an eclectic typology of discourses which may include categories such as text, audio-visual, digital, archive, memory, histories, feminism, etc.

The theoretical frameworks covered during the module may include:

Overviews of current tendencies of research in relevant disciplines;

Marxism; The Frankfurt School;

Structuralism / poststructuralism; histories and textuality; feminist theories; postcolonialism; cultural memory; political history;

Visual culture; digital culture; queer theories, etc;

Translation theory; sociolinguistics.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.