This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This is a cross-disciplinary module that aims to read the contemporary period through its cultural and literary practices. By studying contemporary developments alongside aesthetic production from Britain and around the world, the module interrogates questions of neoliberal culture and subjectivity; artistic form and late capitalism; and political crisis, war and migration. Is there a distinct aesthetic or cultural form that characterises our contemporary moment? Can we identify a language of global contemporary concern that speaks to common problems in a world riven by market forces, conflicts, and competition? The module also accounts for debates around globalisation and culture and considers the effects of new social media on the production of literature and culture.
Private Study: 278
Contact Hours: 22
Total:300
Main assessment methods
Essay (5000 words) – 100%
Reassessment methods
Like for Like
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate an informed understanding of prevailing themes and trends in contemporary culture and aesthetic practice;
2 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of some of the key cultural and political issues that matter to contemporary writers and artists;
3 Demonstrate an advanced sense of the ways different art forms inter-relate, and a good understanding of the way those inter-relations can be informed and mediated by theoretical and cultural discourses;
4 Relate developments and concepts in contemporary thought to leading examples of current artistic practice
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate the ability to formulate research questions and hypotheses to address problems across a range of disciplines within the arts;
2 Demonstrate the ability to interpret arguments, marshal information from published sources, interpret materials from archives, critically evaluate own research and that of others;
3 Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate technology to retrieve, analyse and present information;
4 Demonstrate the ability to construct arguments with regard to different intellectual contexts and different disciplines across the arts;
5 Demonstrate an understanding of how to use constructive informal feedback from staff and peers and assess own progress to enhance performance and personal skills;
6 Demonstrate the ability to work in a self-motived and independent fashion; manage time and workload in order to meet personal targets and imposed deadlines
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
