Material Cultures

Code

LIBA2001

School

Liberal Arts

Level

2

Credits

20

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

In this module students will explore how objects have altered our habits, values and identities in the modern era. We live in a world defined by objects, we buy, we collect, we make and we recycle objects innumerable times throughout our lives. Within this module, students will explore the "material world" and examine issues of design, consumption and use. Students will assess the role of objects through an interdisciplinary perspective and consider how objects are at the core of all our lives from the personal keepsakes to the grand symbols of the nation state. Students will study objects that can be used, sold, exchanged and displayed whilst also assessing how objects can communicate knowledge and practical information to diverse audiences. The course will utilise different types of objects from the venerated and respected artefacts in local museums and art galleries, to the desirable goods for sale in shops, to everyday items that we employ almost unconsciously. In this module, students will critically engage with the material world to access issues of design, function, economics, ethics, reuse and exchange. Through this process, students will be able to see how whilst we create objects those objects also shape and mould us.

Target Students

Only available to Liberal Arts students and Exchange students.

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks

This module will be delivered primarily through weekly 2 hour lecture-workshops and 1 hour seminars. The lecture-workshops will deliver cover information to students on theories and histories of objects, provide the opportunity to practice assessment exercises, and assist in the development of key skills. The seminars will allow students to debate issue around material culture in relation to specific readings, topics, and problems. It is essential for the design and delivery of this module that all seminars are scheduled after the lecture. Further, as it is expected that this module will be delivered by one member of staff, seminars cannot be stacked. The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Workspace.

Assessment

• 30% Coursework 1: Coursework - 800-1000 words
• 70% Coursework 2: Coursework (3000 words)

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Throughout this module, students will:

Assess the role of human-made objects within various cultural contexts, and examine and analyse exemplary objects in depth

Explore the various theories and techniques that have been applied to the creation, application, and interpretation of objects

Encounter a range of disciplinary knowledge and approaches to objects from art and design to sociology and philosophy. 

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

Evaluate the significance of material culture within a range of social and cultural contexts;

Apply that understanding through an analysis of material culture objects;

Demonstrate an ability to effectively and appropriately communicate complex ideas to academic audiences and/or wider audiences

Explain how interdisciplinary approaches can enrich our understanding of material culture by considering it from multiple perspectives. 

Throughout this module, students will be supported to enhance and develop their intellectual skills of:

Interdisciplinary analysis

Critical reading and reflection

Creative and innovative responses to key challenges

Intercultural awareness and subcultural sensitivity  

This module will enable students to demonstrate and enhance the professional and transferable skills in:

Synthesising and analysing ideas and information

Independent research

Time management

Oral communication of ideas

Written communication of analysis and argument

Feedback and feedforward

Conveners

• Dr Edward Clough