Course syllabus autumn 2010
Course syllabus autumn 2010
Title
Culture and Representation
Swedish title
Culture and Representation
Course code
EN222E
Credits
7.5 credits
Grading scale
UV / Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Board of Studies at Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2009-06-08
Syllabus valid from
2009-09-01
Entry requirements
English 1-30 hp or equivalent.
Level
Basic level
Main field
English
Progression level
G1F
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course can normally be included as a part of a general degree at undergradate level.
The course content overlaps with the course English II.
Course contents
This course deals with culture and its representations. The underlying assumption is that culture consists of shared meanings and involves the linking of things (objects, people, events) with concepts and signs (language). In order to understand the complexity of linking things with language, we need to understand the semiotic and ideological structures that enable the sharing of meanings, and how these shared meanings regulate social practices and contribute to the formation of identities. In this module we look at how representational systems produce meanings, and how we can begin to analyze the effects and consequences of those meanings.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
After finishing the course the student:
- has an understanding of culture as shared meanings
- has knowledge of some of the theories about representation and culture
- can show knowledge of Malmö University’s perspectives: International Migration and Ethnic Relations, Nature and Resource Management, and Equality and Gender
Applying knowledge and understanding
After finishing the course the student:
- can analyze different kinds of representations
- can analyze representations within the field of culture
- can begin to analyze the effects and consequences of representations
- can apply knowledge of Malmö University’s perspectives to issues pertaining to language and culture
Critical skills and approach
After finishing the course, the student:
- can reflect on why representations are important in our culture and what effects they have, and how they produce identities and practices
Learning activities
Learning activities are lectures, seminars, written assignments and self-studies of course literature.
Assessment
The course is examined through a group presentation and an exam. The student must receive a passing grade in both examination elements to pass the module.
There are two re-submission/re-sit possibilities for failed presentation/exam. In each resubmission/re-sit time the student may submit any failed examination moment. Each examination moment will be resubmitted in the same form as the original examination, unless there are good reasons to do otherwise (for example, the student has moved on to study abroad and cannot come to the exam). In such case the student may submit in writing on a topic and on scale that matches the workload of the original examination.
The course is graded using the ECTS-grading system.
Course literature and other study material
Hall, Stuart. Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. London & Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage in association with the Open University, 1997.
Course evaluation
All students are offered an opportunity to give oral or written feedback at the end of the course. A summary of the results will be made available in the school’s web-pages. The students are also given a possibility to offer feedback for each module.
Student participation takes place through the course council/program council.