Description

Liberal Arts with Research Project

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

A two semester compulsory module, Liberal Arts introduces key concepts and skills relevant to students wishing to study law, humanities and social sciences. In the first semester, weekly lectures use Western history, politics, literature and art to take us from the eighteenth century to the twenty-first by exploring themes of Revolution and Change, Empire and War, and The New World Order.   

The second semester research project involves the creation of a group Artefact and supporting portfolio of work. The project is an extension of concepts and events introduced in semester one. Elements of the project assess critical thinking, self evaluate, group working and research skills, and the planning, creation and presentation of an Artefact.

Module aims - intentions of the module

1. To introduce an inter-disciplinary exploration  of key concepts around themes relevant to the study of humanities and social sciences.
2. To identify, design, plan and complete a group project (including and Artefact), applying organisational strategies to achieve agreed objectives.
3. Evaluate outcomes including your own learning and performance in relation to agreed objectives.
4. By achieving 1-3 above, to provide students with foundation for a degree programme in the social sciences/humanities. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate understanding of key events, debates, issues and concepts studied on the module.
• 2. Identify, design, plan and complete a group project and achieve agreed objectives in a timely fashion.
• 3. Employ appropriate skills/technology/materials to create a group-produced Artefact.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Develop an ability to research a topic, extract and synthesise information from a range of sources to further identify, and engage with, key issues within the module’s themes.
• 5. Demonstrate an ability to analyse and critically evaluate texts and other forms of information.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. With tutor support, take responsibility for your own learning and work independently.
• 7. Work co-operatively and effectively in groups.
• 8. Evaluate outcomes in relation to agreed objectives and to own learning, research, and performance.
• 9. Communicate effectively in a format appropriate to this discipline.

Syllabus plan

Syllabus plan

A two semester module for all humanities, law and social science students, in the first semester, weekly lectures introduce and explore themes such as Revolution and Change, Empire and War, and The New World Order with a focus on British history and Western social, political, literary and artistic perspectives. This module features a range of study methods which typically include lectures, workshops, seminars and self study. Seminars ensure that key lecture concepts are understood and offer opportunities to discuss lecture content, text extracts and case studies. The course will enable you to;

• Understand key terms, ideas and concepts related to the subject of study
• Engage with a number of disciplines within the humanities and social sciences
• Distinguish between fact and opinion, between what is relevant and what is not, and between opposing views based upon conflicting evidence
• Extract and synthesise information and formulate a response
• Practise the skills of independent learning, group work and time management

Topics typically include;

• French and Industrial Revolutions
• Romanticism and the Gothic
• The British Empire
• Globalisation, urbanisation, capitalism and environmentalism
• The Great War and the rise of European fascism

The second semester Research project develops and assesses your ability to create a group Artefact. The Artefact will connect to concepts or events studied in semester one. Aside from the Artefact, supporting documentation will include a Research Review offering an evidence-based discussion of the concepts and critical  context which influenced the Artefact, a portfolio, including  a project log, drafts of written work, a reflective statement, and an Artefact file (sketches, ideas and a complete group bibliography depicting how the Artefact evolved and its artistic/critical context).   

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Assessment

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Re-assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

NOTE: Attendance of all group members at the Exhibition Week is compulsory in order for individuals to pass the Artefact + Artefact File element of this module.

Exam referral will constitute a second formal examination.

The grade for the referred exam will be capped at 40%. Deferred exams will not be capped. Artefact + Artefact file and written components - referral constitutes a viva and resubmission of research Review and individuall Portfolio.  

Re-sit exam periods are indicated on the centre timetable. Students requiring a re-take will be given as much advance notice as possible.  

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Lead.

Basic reading and viewing:

A GCSE History: Understanding the Modern World Paperback - Student Edition (2016) David Ferriby, Dave Martin, Ben Walsh 

Oxford A level history for AQA: Industrialisation and the people: Britain c1783-1885 Paperback (2015) by Alisa Fortune

Samsara (Film, 2012) directed by Ron Fricke. 

Civilisation (BBC TV Series, 2018

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Additional sources available on ELE and provided by class tutor.

Module has an active ELE page

Key words search

Liberal Arts, Literature, Romanticism, Gothic, Identity, British Empire, Revolution, Globalisation, War, War poetry, Capitalism, The Great War, Research Project, Artefact.