Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LI Work, The Future and You
School	Lan, Cult, Art Hist & Music
Department	Modern Languages
Module Code	09 39770
Module Lead	Craig Blunt
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Seminar-20 hours Guided independent study-180 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This is a debates and ideas module centred around the way in which the world of work is changing and how our attitudes towards it are evolving. Collectively, we will try to unpack and understand the impact of these changes for society as a whole and for your futures. Drawing on a wide range of texts and articles, we will explore some key trends: An increasing number of people are now trapped in insecure employment, leading to increasing inequality and political turbulence. An increasingly ageing population in the advanced economies suggests we might need to work for longer; an increasing number of people living with poor health suggests we might not be able to. Whilst technological change has impacted on jobs in the past – Schumpeter's 'creative destruction' – the rise of Artificial Intelligence risks making a whole range of previously secure white-collar jobs obsolete. Whether this leads to the introduction of a form of Universal Basic Income, a dystopian neo-feudalism in which 'big tech' possesses ever larger amounts of wealth or power or some technologically inspired utopia along the lines of Fully Automated Luxury Communism remains uncertain. Impending ecological breakdown also provides a strong steer that we should move towards a low consumption economy, which, if realised, would have profound effects on the place of work within our society. In the midst of these far-reaching changes, our own attitudes towards work are changing, shaped in part by the pandemic but also by a focus on well-being and flourishing. Movements such as 'quiet quitting' or the 'great resignation' are testament to this.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Participate in debate and discussion around the key themes identified in this module. Undertake analysis and evaluation of topics studied on the module in order to formulate their own independent stance. Understand and articulate the ways in which the topics studied intersect and relate to each other Undertake independent research and analysis to prepare a topic for the assessment Convey coherently and persuasively the findings of that research in a plan and in the one-to-one oral examination, defending their position, rebutting challenges to it and elaborating on it to encompass other aspects of the module.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 1000-word plan in English (25%) 1 x 20 min individual oral exam in English (75%) Alternative assessment if on campus activity is restricted: live oral assessments will either be recorded presentations or conducted via Zoom/Skype. Reassessment: Re-submit failed component
Other
Reading List