Course syllabus autumn 2009
Course syllabus autumn 2009
Title
Introduction to Social and Cultural Theory and Analysis
Swedish title
Introduction to Social and Cultural Theory and Analysis
Course code
IM401E
Credits
15 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
2009-11-02
Syllabus valid from
2009-09-01
Entry requirements
General requirements for university studies.
Level
Basic level
No main field.
Progression level
G1N
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
Compulsory course within the programmes SGIME, HGENS and HGLCE
Course contents
This course provides an entry for the student to a number of central concerns in the field of the humanities and social sciences. Notions such as gender, class, and ethnicity, culture, and representation are linked to contemporary social issues; the center of attention is on how these notions create a space for us as social actors. The focus is not on the arriving on correct definition of concepts, but rather developing the student’s ability for critical thinking with and through these concepts.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
After finishing the course, the student:
- understands how the categories of class, gender, and ethnicity are used in contemporary social and cultural theory;
- understands the complexities of contemporary representations of identity;
- understands the part played by culture in legitimizing social inequality;
- grasps some of the ways in which cultural power is displayed and turned into social practice, and
- can show knowledge of Malmö University’s perspectives: environment, gender, and migration and ethnicity.
Applying knowledge and understanding
After finishing the course, the student:
- can perform basic analyses of limited social and cultural phenomena using concepts from social and cultural theories;
- can perform basic analyses of how cultural representations legitimize and de-legitimize social phenomena;
- can engage with social and cultural theories through independent reading, group work, and seminar activity;
- demonstrates ability to perform and present limited analyses both individually and in groups, orally and in writing;
- demonstrates ability to work to agreed timetables, manage workloads, and meet deadlines, and
- can apply knowledge of Malmö University’s perspectives to issues pertaining to Language and Cultural Studies.
Making judgments and communication skills
After finishing the course, the student:
- demonstrates basic critical approach to contemporary cultural and social theories, and
- comprehends how Malmö University’s three perspectives are linked to cultural and social theories of identity and constructivist theories of representation.
Learning activities
Learning activities are lectures, group work and oral presentations in a seminar environment.
Each week centers on a theme. At the beginning of the week focus is in understanding the issues and concepts, whereas at the end of the week focus is on application of concepts and presentation of the application. The ground for understanding and knowledge is first created through independent reading of course literature, guided by study questions, facilitated by lectures. This independent work is then carried over to group discussions, where students have a chance to rehearse their understanding before applying it in limited analyses of social and cultural phenomena. The result of the group work is presented to other students and a teacher in an obligatory seminar.
Assessment
The course is examined through an exam and the writing of individual papers. The student must receive a passing grade in all examination elements.
Up to two failed presentations (presentation receives a grade ‘fail’, or the student fails to turn up for the presentation) can be complemented by submitting written work in accordance to lecturer’s instructions. If the student is failed on more than two occasions, these can be complemented by performing the equivalent number of presentations the following term. In connection with the re-sits, there is also a possibility to complement failed presentation work in writing.
Students who do not pass the regular course exams have the minimum of two re-sit opportunities. Re-sits follow the same form as the original exams, apart from re-sits for group work, which take the form of individual written assignments.
Course literature and other study material
Frykman J., O.Löfgren et al (1987): "Culture Builders: A historical anthropology of middle-class life" New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press
Woodward K and Open University (2004): Questioning Identity Gender Gender, Class, Ethnicity. London, Routledge in association with the Open Univ.
+ 200 pages selected articles and film material.
Course evaluation
All students are offered an opportunity to give oral and written feedback at the end of the course. A summary of the results will be made available in the school’s web-pages.