Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims:

1.To introduce students to the key concepts, theories and methods in their future MA programmes.

2.To use oral and written journal critiques to develop students’ abilities to identify and critique academic literature in their field.

3.To make students aware of the crucial functions of critique and debate in academic scholarship, including their own.

Outline Of Syllabus

Introduction to Humanities, key concepts and research traditions

Examination of a range of issues related to Education, Cross-Cultural Communication, Linguistics and Media, drawing on topics such as

- Research Strategies and Methods
- Intercultural Education
- Language awareness
- The Social Psychology of Communication
- Media Analysis
- National identity and Ethnic Conflict
- Marketing Mix

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Explain the key concepts and theories in media studies, including media representation, media effects, and audience analysis
Analyse the role of media in shaping public opinion and cultural norms
Collect knowledge of the history and development of various media forms, such as print, broadcast, and digital media
Examine the principles and theories of cross-cultural communication and their relevance in a globalised world
Identify and analyse cultural differences and their impact on communication styles and practices
Explain the key theories and concepts in education
Analyse and evaluate the role of education in society and its impact on social inequality and mobility
Analyse and evaluate the relationship between language, culture, and identity

Intended Skill Outcomes

Develop the ability to critically analyse and evaluate academic articles, identifying key arguments, methodologies, and conclusions
examine various types of academic research, including qualitative and quantitative studies
identify logical structures and evaluate the strength and validity of arguments presented in academic literature
compare academic articles within broader theoretical, historical, and disciplinary contexts
assess the quality and relevance of evidence used in academic articles, distinguishing between strong and weak support for claims
apply and assess ethical principles in the critique of academic research, including issues related to authorship, plagiarism, and research integrity
demonstrate written and oral communication skills, enabling clear and effective presentation of critiques and arguments in academic contexts

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are used to introduce key ideas, explain theoretical and methodological concepts and provide frameworks of reference related to specific topics.

Seminars provide opportunities for further clarification, exploration, application and critical discussion. Students are actively engaged through various student-centred activities, such as research tasks, reading and synthesis of a range of texts, discussions, group work, student-led debates and presentations. This will allow them to develop appropriate oral and written linguistic and academic skills to meet the intended learning outcomes.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Assessment will involve research, reading, synthesis, critical evaluation and the development of oral presentation skills and coursework writing skills.

Types of assessment could include podcasts or written journal critique.

For the learning log and coursework a range of seminar activities are provided to allow for formative feedback over the course of the module.

General Notes

N/A