Philosophy of Literary and Visual Culture (U03339)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : LLC-4-U03263

This course will explore key debates in cultural studies and film studies, with particular attention paid to the philosophical and theoretical backgrounds which have informed cultural theory. In particular, the course will explore both the concept of culture and the ways in which culture might be considered as an object of study. Topics to be covered will include the relation between literary and visual culture, the relation between philosophy and art, and the relationship between linguistic and visual modes of analysis and understanding. Although the course is primarily theoretical in focus students will be required to apply a theory or method to a specific text or image, both in seminars and in assessment.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : Passes in English or Scottish Literature 1 and English, Scottish or American literature 2, with a mark of 50 or above at the first attempt in the second year course. Passes in third year courses in the subject area amounting to at least 40 credits.

? Special Arrangements for Entry : Numbers are limited and students taking degrees not involving English, Scottish or American literature need the written approval of the head of English Literature.

? Costs : Essential course texts.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

English Literature, (School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, Schedule G)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : To be arranged/Unknown

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

? Other Required Attendance : 1 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

? Additional Class Information : 1 hour a week attendance at Autonomous Learning Group - times to be arranged

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be familiar with the key debates and problems in cultural studies. The concept of culture will also provide students with a starting point from which to understand and assess various methods and theories of cultural studies, and different theories of interpretation and analysis. Particular attention will be paid to competing traditions and disciplines so that students will also gain critically reflective skills, enabling them to negotiate different theoretical paradigms. The course will develop critical reading skills, both by focussing on the concepts, arguments and claims of theoretical texts, and by thinking about the ways in which theories yield methods of reading and criticism.