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 REPRESENTING SLAVERY
Code MODL515
Coordinator Dr JG Lewis
Modern Languages and Cultures
Jonathan.Lewis@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2017-18 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
None 

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 4
This activity reflects the CSIS research seminar series (which the students have to write about for the first assessment). The expectation is that MA students will attend these.
14
In advance of each session, students receive a list of background reading relating to the topic of the session and some questions to prepare. Seminars involve discussing those questions and any other related matters which arise in a small group environment.
        18
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 132
TOTAL HOURS 150

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
Coursework  3000 words  Semester 2  80  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Essay 1 
Coursework  1500 words  Semester 2  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Essay 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) The first assessment (80%) is an essay of close analysis, drawing on the skills and methods discussed in the module seminars. The second assessment (20%) requires students to reflect and read widely in analysing research presented to the CSIS research seminar series. The weighting between the two assessments reflects the differing quantities of reading and thought, not just their relative lengths by word count. The deadline for the first assessment (80%) usually Monday of Week 12 The deadline for the second assessment (20%) is usually Monday of Week 8. 

Aims
  1. To develop students'' familiarity with historical contexts of slavery and introduce them to potential areas for specialisation.
  2. To engage students in the critical examination of historical representations as sources for our understanding of slaveries and also the purposes for which representations of slavery have been consumed, received and created.

  3. To engage students in the critical examination of later representations as responses to historical slaveries informed by their creators'' contemporary concerns.

Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of slavery as a conceptual category of analysis and the extent to which it aids our understanding of not only experiences of freedom and "un-freedom" but their representation.

Develop appropriate disciplinary skills, becoming familiar with a range of techniques, methods and concepts and apply these in the analysis of slaveries and their legacies.

Successfully and confidently construct rational argument, and develop expertise in identifying and deploying appropriate evidence to support analysis and conclusions. 

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Seminar - In advance of each session, students receive a list of background reading relating to the topic of the session and some questions to prepare. Seminars involve discussing those questions and any other related matters which arise in a small group environment.

Lecture - This activity reflects the CSIS research seminar series (which the students have to write about for the first assessment). The expectation is that MA students will attend these.

Syllabus
1 
Content is dependent on staff availability, but the module covers the representation of slavery in a wide range of media, and historical and cultural contexts, including for example 18th century slave narratives, indentured narratives and representations of slavery in film. The module is taught by staff from History, Modern Languages and Cultures, and English, who accordingly bring their own expertise and methodological approaches to the module.

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: