This module looks at the sort of 'narratives' that we meet all the time in creative and critical humanities disciplines, and asks the broader question of 'why do we tell the stories we tell?' This includes stories about the past, present and future; in words, in media, and in many forms of artistic and cultural expression. We will look at how narratives develop; whose story gets told and heard, and by whom; and how and why we might challenge existing narratives. We will also consider the role of power and privilege in what stories we tell, how we tell them and how they are received.
More broadly, this module will help you reflect on and expand your understanding of what 'narrative' means in and for your areas of personal disciplinary interest, as well as those you have perhaps not considered before. It will also pick up themes from the semester one 'sibling' module, 'How do we know what we know?' to continue your exploration of how creative and critical humanities disciplines can interact and intersect with each other; their areas of difference and commonality; and their role in enacting change in the world.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of what 'narrative' is in different periods, spaces, and through various disciplinary, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary lenses; how narratives develop; why they matter; and why they might be challenged.
Show understanding of what multi- trans- and /interdisciplinarity is and means; the role of the humanities in enacting change in the world
Exhibit an appropriate level of proficiency in (though not confined to) the following skills: academic reading and writing; communication (with each other and different audiences); teamwork; independent research; thinking creatively
Students will work in small groups throughout the module to produce a multi-disciplinary anthology on a theme with short, individually written introductions to each piece students have chosen to include, along with a co-written introduction outlining the rationale for the selection and drawing upon various subject-specific secondary criticism. If possible (though not necessary) we would have a launch party in the summer term where groups present their final projects.
Individual short (1000 words) essay in anthology: individual mark, worth 50% of module total, submitted at end of term Overall anthology 'product' and co-written introductory essay (1000 words): 25% (normally submitted as a group, for a group mark). 5-10 minute presentation, normally delivered as a group presentation, with a group mark; or a 2-3 minute individual presentation in exceptional circumstances' (Worth 25%: same mark for all group members)
