Understanding Now

Overview

This module has two interconnected directions of travel:
i) focusing on the present, subject lecturers discuss how we understand the contemporary moment in its social, political, philosophical, cultural and intellectual contexts;
ii) the above is simultaneously informed by a backward glance that shows how learning in particular branches of the academy has developed over the centuries, and how arts and humanities disciplines currently configure our theoretical interpretation of the world

Each academic year, what is “Now” will obviously change, providing new contexts for discussions of how we use Understanding to explain the world.

Learning Objectives

On completion of this module students will:
(i) have an overview of a range of approaches to understanding the contemporary world;
(ii) have an introductory understanding of the different disciplines they have encountered on the module;
(iii) understand a range of discipline-specific approaches to university level work in the arts and humanities;
(iv) differentiate between discipline-specific approaches to the subject;
(v) be able to link the module’s varied pedagogical approaches to their degree pathway.

Skills

(i) understanding of the diverse methods and approaches of arts and humanities subjects at university level;
(ii) capacity for appropriate problem-solving in relation to contemporary debates;
(iii) engaging in classroom debate and group work and fostering a stimulating intellectual environment;
(iv) producing engaged critical responses to the issues raised on the module;
(v) connecting the module’s multi-disciplinary focus to the concerns of their degree pathway
(vi) self-reflection on the learning process.

Assessment

1500-word essay