Level 1
CU51007A
Practical Journalism
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
Designed for people who want to write nonfiction news reports and articles for newspapers and magazines. You examine how to find ideas, interviewing techniques and personality profile writing, various feature writing styles, and leisure and entertainment reviews. You also look at how to approach editors to sell your work. It is a practical course and you are expected to produce articles. Feedback and comments based on group discussion is a feature of the course.
Practical Journalism
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
Designed for people who want to write nonfiction news reports and articles for newspapers and magazines. You examine how to find ideas, interviewing techniques and personality profile writing, various feature writing styles, and leisure and entertainment reviews. You also look at how to approach editors to sell your work. It is a practical course and you are expected to produce articles. Feedback and comments based on group discussion is a feature of the course.
CU51010A
Understanding Society
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This course draws on the distinct approaches of both anthropology and sociology, and also focuses on the common ground between the two disciplines. You are introduced to the subjects’ key theorists and the historical development of both anthropology and sociology. Areas you study include: religion, health, sex and gender, family and kinship, language, class and caste, race, and culture and identity.
Understanding Society
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This course draws on the distinct approaches of both anthropology and sociology, and also focuses on the common ground between the two disciplines. You are introduced to the subjects’ key theorists and the historical development of both anthropology and sociology. Areas you study include: religion, health, sex and gender, family and kinship, language, class and caste, race, and culture and identity.
CU51014A
People and Power: Introducing Politics
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
The underlying theme of this course is power. What is power? Who has power? How is power exercised?
By examining these questions, with reference to contemporary political processes and institutions in the UK, you gain a critical introduction to the study of politics. The first part of the course looks at different conceptions of power, key political concepts and ideas such as the state, democracy and freedom, and different political ideologies. These concepts and ideas are then applied to contemporary political processes and institutions in the UK: the constitution, elections, political parties, interest groups, the media, globalisation and the nation-state, the European Union and sovereignty, local politics, participation and exclusion.
People and Power: Introducing Politics
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
The underlying theme of this course is power. What is power? Who has power? How is power exercised?
By examining these questions, with reference to contemporary political processes and institutions in the UK, you gain a critical introduction to the study of politics. The first part of the course looks at different conceptions of power, key political concepts and ideas such as the state, democracy and freedom, and different political ideologies. These concepts and ideas are then applied to contemporary political processes and institutions in the UK: the constitution, elections, political parties, interest groups, the media, globalisation and the nation-state, the European Union and sovereignty, local politics, participation and exclusion.
CU51015A
Writing Fiction (Beginners)
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This course is suitable for beginners. After looking at ‘how to get started’, you cover the basic technical aspects of writing, exploring ways of releasing your imagination and what to do when inspiration fails. You have the support of the group throughout and the opportunity to share your work. The course is structured and practical, and by the end you can expect to have completed several short stories and perhaps to have embarked on a novel.
Writing Fiction (Beginners)
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This course is suitable for beginners. After looking at ‘how to get started’, you cover the basic technical aspects of writing, exploring ways of releasing your imagination and what to do when inspiration fails. You have the support of the group throughout and the opportunity to share your work. The course is structured and practical, and by the end you can expect to have completed several short stories and perhaps to have embarked on a novel.
CU51016A
Creative Writing (Beginners)
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
If you haven’t decided in which form you want to write, this course is for you. You consider short stories, novel writing, poetry, drama and writing for television. Each class offers the opportunity to read out your work and receive feedback. The tutor then discusses forms of writing, and there is a practical writing task. Information is given on finding an agent/publisher, marketing, and contract and copyright laws. You are expected to be supportive and practical in your criticism of others’ work. By the end of the course, you should have a clear idea of what writing form you want to pursue.
Creative Writing (Beginners)
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
If you haven’t decided in which form you want to write, this course is for you. You consider short stories, novel writing, poetry, drama and writing for television. Each class offers the opportunity to read out your work and receive feedback. The tutor then discusses forms of writing, and there is a practical writing task. Information is given on finding an agent/publisher, marketing, and contract and copyright laws. You are expected to be supportive and practical in your criticism of others’ work. By the end of the course, you should have a clear idea of what writing form you want to pursue.
CU51019A
Autobiography into Fiction
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This workshop draws on personal experience as a resource for creative writing. Through practical writing
exercises and discussion we explore how to transform into fiction your own experiences, perceptions, the people and events in your life; how to find themes and plots in personal experience; and how to mine dreams and fantasies for writing which is between ‘truth’ and fantasy. We explore the issues involved in using personal experience in writing, and the workshops will take place in a supportive and constructive atmosphere. Beginners and experienced writers are welcome.
Autobiography into Fiction
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This workshop draws on personal experience as a resource for creative writing. Through practical writing
exercises and discussion we explore how to transform into fiction your own experiences, perceptions, the people and events in your life; how to find themes and plots in personal experience; and how to mine dreams and fantasies for writing which is between ‘truth’ and fantasy. We explore the issues involved in using personal experience in writing, and the workshops will take place in a supportive and constructive atmosphere. Beginners and experienced writers are welcome.
CU51021A
Introduction to Film Studies
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This course is designed as an accessible introduction to a broad range of methods for analysing and studying film. It is aimed at anyone with a keen interest in film, but with no previous knowledge of film studies as a field of study. It aims to stimulate critical thinking about the cinema as a popular medium of representation, as an art form and an entertainment industry. We will explore the history and development of cinema, applying concepts of film analysis to a wide range of films from different periods of cinema and from different parts of the world.
Introduction to Film Studies
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This course is designed as an accessible introduction to a broad range of methods for analysing and studying film. It is aimed at anyone with a keen interest in film, but with no previous knowledge of film studies as a field of study. It aims to stimulate critical thinking about the cinema as a popular medium of representation, as an art form and an entertainment industry. We will explore the history and development of cinema, applying concepts of film analysis to a wide range of films from different periods of cinema and from different parts of the world.
CU51023A
Hands-on Journalism
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You cover all aspects of journalism with the aim of encouraging and assisting you to write confidently and to get published, if you wish. You explore ways of saying what you want to say clearly through reporting, interviewing and feature writing; emphasis is put on looking at potential markets for written work. Although the course concentrates on journalistic writing, we examine other aspects of media. You are encouraged to develop your own style through hands-on writing exercises, both creative and journalistic.
Hands-on Journalism
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You cover all aspects of journalism with the aim of encouraging and assisting you to write confidently and to get published, if you wish. You explore ways of saying what you want to say clearly through reporting, interviewing and feature writing; emphasis is put on looking at potential markets for written work. Although the course concentrates on journalistic writing, we examine other aspects of media. You are encouraged to develop your own style through hands-on writing exercises, both creative and journalistic.
CU51025A
Script and Screen
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You focus on the writing of screen drama for cinema and TV, and participate in lectures, viewings and practical exercises. You consider visual narrative, creating premises, structure, characterisation and rewriting. You are asked to bring your own ideas in progress to classes for tutor comment or class reading, and you are encouraged to write directly for production.
Script and Screen
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You focus on the writing of screen drama for cinema and TV, and participate in lectures, viewings and practical exercises. You consider visual narrative, creating premises, structure, characterisation and rewriting. You are asked to bring your own ideas in progress to classes for tutor comment or class reading, and you are encouraged to write directly for production.
Level 2
CU52003A
The Making of Modernity: Late 19th and Early 20th-Century Concepts of the Modern
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This interdisciplinary course critically examines some of the key frameworks through which ideas of the modern were formulated in turn of the century Europe. This involves study of philosophical egoism and ideas of ‘mass’ culture; contemporary sciences (the cultural impact of Freud, Bergson, Einstein and eugenics); and Marxist interventions (with particular reference to Lukacs). You study cultural movements associated with Modernism, such as Decadence, Vorticism, and Futurism, with particular reference to such writers as Wyndham Lewis, James Joyce, Gertrude Stein and Oscar Wilde.
The Making of Modernity: Late 19th and Early 20th-Century Concepts of the Modern
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This interdisciplinary course critically examines some of the key frameworks through which ideas of the modern were formulated in turn of the century Europe. This involves study of philosophical egoism and ideas of ‘mass’ culture; contemporary sciences (the cultural impact of Freud, Bergson, Einstein and eugenics); and Marxist interventions (with particular reference to Lukacs). You study cultural movements associated with Modernism, such as Decadence, Vorticism, and Futurism, with particular reference to such writers as Wyndham Lewis, James Joyce, Gertrude Stein and Oscar Wilde.
CU52004A
Body, Gender, Culture
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This course is concerned with theorising the body and gender in an interdisciplinary way. Models discussed include: scientific understandings of the body; cultural understandings of the body; and the social construction of gender and sexuality. Specific areas considered may include: body beauty; cosmetic and other surgeries; age and ageing; illness, disability and eating disorders.
Body, Gender, Culture
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This course is concerned with theorising the body and gender in an interdisciplinary way. Models discussed include: scientific understandings of the body; cultural understandings of the body; and the social construction of gender and sexuality. Specific areas considered may include: body beauty; cosmetic and other surgeries; age and ageing; illness, disability and eating disorders.
CU52005A
International Relations
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
nternational relations is the study of how political, economic, security and cultural systems all interact on a global scale. You explore the evolution of international society by looking at the work of international institutions. You address the practical implications of familiar themes and concepts such as sovereignty, the balance of power, diplomacy, international law, security, nationalism and national interest. You examine the application of concepts such as dependency, neo-colonialism, foreign policy analysis, and trade relations in the 20th century, and consider live debates and practical case studies on topics such as diplomacy between states, regionalism, protectionism and globalisation.
International Relations
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
nternational relations is the study of how political, economic, security and cultural systems all interact on a global scale. You explore the evolution of international society by looking at the work of international institutions. You address the practical implications of familiar themes and concepts such as sovereignty, the balance of power, diplomacy, international law, security, nationalism and national interest. You examine the application of concepts such as dependency, neo-colonialism, foreign policy analysis, and trade relations in the 20th century, and consider live debates and practical case studies on topics such as diplomacy between states, regionalism, protectionism and globalisation.
CU52006A
Writing the Self
(4 credits, Autumn)
Through the examination of a range of 20th and 21st century life writing, including personal testimony, autobiography and memoir, this course offers you an opportunity to develop creative writing techniques that will allow you to write from personal experience, evaluating key terms such as 'memory' and 'truth'.
Writing the Self
(4 credits, Autumn)
Through the examination of a range of 20th and 21st century life writing, including personal testimony, autobiography and memoir, this course offers you an opportunity to develop creative writing techniques that will allow you to write from personal experience, evaluating key terms such as 'memory' and 'truth'.
CU52007A
Writing for Performance
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This module aims to develop your potential as a writer in the field of live performance. Classes are concerned with techniques and approaches to the organisation of material, and with developing your knowledge of new writing practice and furthering your original work. There are collaborative sessions with performance students to generate and experiment with dramatic material.
Writing for Performance
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
This module aims to develop your potential as a writer in the field of live performance. Classes are concerned with techniques and approaches to the organisation of material, and with developing your knowledge of new writing practice and furthering your original work. There are collaborative sessions with performance students to generate and experiment with dramatic material.
CU52008A
Writing Culture
(4 credits, Autumn)
This course combines a broad critical perspective on biography with the craft of writing creative non fiction that explores cultural heritage. Exercises, class discussion, relevant reading, reflection and revision will help you to expand your writing practice, becoming a more effective writer in the process.
Writing Culture
(4 credits, Autumn)
This course combines a broad critical perspective on biography with the craft of writing creative non fiction that explores cultural heritage. Exercises, class discussion, relevant reading, reflection and revision will help you to expand your writing practice, becoming a more effective writer in the process.
CU52009A
Writing the Self 2
(4 credits, Spring)
Building on the skills acquired in Writing the Self, you will work towards developing your own literary voice, while giving and receiving supportive feedback within class will build self-confidence and encourage self-awareness. By the end of the course you will have produced a portfolio of autobiographical writing. Please note that you must have successfully completed Writing the Self to take this course.
Writing the Self 2
(4 credits, Spring)
Building on the skills acquired in Writing the Self, you will work towards developing your own literary voice, while giving and receiving supportive feedback within class will build self-confidence and encourage self-awareness. By the end of the course you will have produced a portfolio of autobiographical writing. Please note that you must have successfully completed Writing the Self to take this course.
CU52017A
Writing Fiction 2 (Advanced)
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You are encouraged to improve your work in progress and to develop your writing skills. The course combines sharing work for supportive, constructive feedback with dynamic in-class projects, including experiments with narrative techniques and ways of tempting the imagination to take creative leaps. You take part in formal technical sessions, and receive advice on marketing your work. By the end of the course, you can expect to have written several short stories and/or made significant progress on a novel. You become more confident in your voice, your style and direction as a writer. Apart from in-class projects, you determine what/when/how much you write.
Writing Fiction 2 (Advanced)
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You are encouraged to improve your work in progress and to develop your writing skills. The course combines sharing work for supportive, constructive feedback with dynamic in-class projects, including experiments with narrative techniques and ways of tempting the imagination to take creative leaps. You take part in formal technical sessions, and receive advice on marketing your work. By the end of the course, you can expect to have written several short stories and/or made significant progress on a novel. You become more confident in your voice, your style and direction as a writer. Apart from in-class projects, you determine what/when/how much you write.
CU52018A
Film and Anthropology
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You look at both anthropology through film, and film through anthropology. This course is intended to appeal to anyone interested in film, anthropology and/or communication studies, or in wider issues related to representation generally. It is in two parts. In the first part, theoretical issues related to representation are considered, concentrating on the use of visual imagery. The focus is on how imagery imparts knowledge and how this is perceived in different contexts. The question of power and resistance is a central theme. In the second part, the representation of witchcraft in film is taken as a case study.
Film and Anthropology
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You look at both anthropology through film, and film through anthropology. This course is intended to appeal to anyone interested in film, anthropology and/or communication studies, or in wider issues related to representation generally. It is in two parts. In the first part, theoretical issues related to representation are considered, concentrating on the use of visual imagery. The focus is on how imagery imparts knowledge and how this is perceived in different contexts. The question of power and resistance is a central theme. In the second part, the representation of witchcraft in film is taken as a case study.
CU51024A
Screen Thrillers
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
Explores the elements of writing a TV or cinema thriller. Rather than preach a formula, it introduces you to a range of formats and ideas within which we hope you can express your own interests. It covers suspense, visual narrative, plotting and characterisation. Viewing of selected examples, discussion of key concepts and practical exercises assist you in writing a full-length script you can present to leading TV and film companies.
Screen Thrillers
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
Explores the elements of writing a TV or cinema thriller. Rather than preach a formula, it introduces you to a range of formats and ideas within which we hope you can express your own interests. It covers suspense, visual narrative, plotting and characterisation. Viewing of selected examples, discussion of key concepts and practical exercises assist you in writing a full-length script you can present to leading TV and film companies.
CU53001A
Race and Representation in ‘Popular’ Culture
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
The roles of race and representation in the construction of identity in ‘popular’ culture are explored in this course. These roles are examined in an interdisciplinary manner, focusing on music, fashion, advertising and various types of mass media. The course takes a critical approach to the cultural politics of images of culture and identity, and how they influence our contemporary social identities.
Race and Representation in ‘Popular’ Culture
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
The roles of race and representation in the construction of identity in ‘popular’ culture are explored in this course. These roles are examined in an interdisciplinary manner, focusing on music, fashion, advertising and various types of mass media. The course takes a critical approach to the cultural politics of images of culture and identity, and how they influence our contemporary social identities.
Level 3
CU53002A
Space, Place and Identity: Diasporas in the Modern World
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
In this course you examine how boundaries between societies have become increasingly blurred over recent decades. You critically examine the recent wealth of new literature on how our notions of space have radically altered due to technology, migrations and the media. You chart the emergence of international capital and the migrations that followed in its wake, and the consequent new forms of cultural identity that have been born from the relocation of people in complex new social and political settings.
Space, Place and Identity: Diasporas in the Modern World
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
In this course you examine how boundaries between societies have become increasingly blurred over recent decades. You critically examine the recent wealth of new literature on how our notions of space have radically altered due to technology, migrations and the media. You chart the emergence of international capital and the migrations that followed in its wake, and the consequent new forms of cultural identity that have been born from the relocation of people in complex new social and political settings.
CU53005A
Surrealism in the Cinema
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
Surrealism is one of the most important influences on the development of film, but study of this influence has had a very narrow focus, concentrating on the films made by the surrealists during the twenties. This course aims to open out debates around surrealism in the cinema, showing how they have mutually informed one another. It looks at the development of surrealism, noting the significant contributions made to film by surrealists in terms of film practices and theories. It considers the development of the film medium, and brings attention to later developments of surrealist theories and their importance for contemporary directors.
Surrealism in the Cinema
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
Surrealism is one of the most important influences on the development of film, but study of this influence has had a very narrow focus, concentrating on the films made by the surrealists during the twenties. This course aims to open out debates around surrealism in the cinema, showing how they have mutually informed one another. It looks at the development of surrealism, noting the significant contributions made to film by surrealists in terms of film practices and theories. It considers the development of the film medium, and brings attention to later developments of surrealist theories and their importance for contemporary directors.
CU53008A
Popular Culture in Practice
(4 credits, Spring)
Examines the important area of cultural theory, which deals with popular culture, cultural value, and cultural identities. It explores issues of representation in relation to popular culture and helps you develop writing and research skills. The course looks at different theories of popular culture (for example, mass culture theory; culture industry, semiotics, popular culture and the carnivalesque; postmodernism) in the context of the popular novel, the musical and television culture.
Popular Culture in Practice
(4 credits, Spring)
Examines the important area of cultural theory, which deals with popular culture, cultural value, and cultural identities. It explores issues of representation in relation to popular culture and helps you develop writing and research skills. The course looks at different theories of popular culture (for example, mass culture theory; culture industry, semiotics, popular culture and the carnivalesque; postmodernism) in the context of the popular novel, the musical and television culture.
CU53009A
Writing the Culture 2
(4 credits, Spring)
Building on the skills acquired in Writing the Self, you will work towards developing your own literary voice, while giving and receiving supportive feedback within class will build self-confidence and encourage self-awareness. By the end of the course you will have produced a portfolio of autobiographical writing. Please note that you must have successfully completed Writing the Self to take this course.
Writing the Culture 2
(4 credits, Spring)
Building on the skills acquired in Writing the Self, you will work towards developing your own literary voice, while giving and receiving supportive feedback within class will build self-confidence and encourage self-awareness. By the end of the course you will have produced a portfolio of autobiographical writing. Please note that you must have successfully completed Writing the Self to take this course.
CU53020A
Egyptology
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
A systematic study of ancient Egypt’s rich heritage, focusing on aspects of its culture, namely, its history, institutions, industries, inhabitants, language, religion, technical development and art. Explores how history is constructed through the analysis and interpretation of archaeology and cultural data. Examines ancient Egyptian institutions, languages and literature. Investigates ancient Egyptian culture through African, Near-Eastern and Mediterranean sources. Includes museum visits.
Egyptology
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
A systematic study of ancient Egypt’s rich heritage, focusing on aspects of its culture, namely, its history, institutions, industries, inhabitants, language, religion, technical development and art. Explores how history is constructed through the analysis and interpretation of archaeology and cultural data. Examines ancient Egyptian institutions, languages and literature. Investigates ancient Egyptian culture through African, Near-Eastern and Mediterranean sources. Includes museum visits.