The word contemporary literally means ‘to share the same time’, but what is distinctive about this time? Arguably, our contemporary (postmodern?) world is defined by change and uncertainty - socially, culturally, and in terms of technology. This module will explore some of the key areas which have been most acutely affected by these developments and are of great importance for understanding the world we live in. It raises questions about how contemporary society can be understood from a variety of social, theoretical, cultural, economic and technological perspectives by focussing in on some of the main ‘problems’, issues or (culture war) controversies being addressed currently in our society and public sphere.
We will think through contemporary issues such as identity, gender relations, sexuality, multiculturalism, race and otherness, our changing perceptions of space, place, and belonging, and how the rise of consumer culture, the internet and digital media has had an effect on (and portrays) all of these. In a postmodern world seen to be full of problems and controversies, we will look at how those problems have been created through historical legacies, are maintained through popular media discourses and power structures, and what we can do about them.
Lectures 16 hours, Seminars 8 hours, Workshops 8 hours
Presentation worth 40%
Examination (2 hours) worth 40%
Seminar performance worth 20%
For reading lists see the detailed module information on moodle.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Understand how to situate contemporary society within cultural, historical, economic and technological contexts and developments
2) Apply key analytical approaches to the study of contemporary society, culture and media
3) Analyse contemporary social problems and controversies and their origins through the use of data and theoretical analysis
4) Communicate and present rational, evidence-led and coherent arguments though writing, speech and debate
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