Overview

This module will equip you with key skills for your degree, whether it is in Linguistics and/or English Language, Modern Languages, English Literature or Creative Writing. Through a combination of interdisciplinary sessions, reflective workshops, field and group work, the module will help you build your understanding of language and culture in interaction, explore expectations about studying across cultures and develop your analytical, creative and project management skills. This is achieved through activities led by the specialists and your own reflective practice, to help you better understand the communities and places around you through the prism of critical cultural and linguistic awareness.

In the first week, following a introduction to the module and the assessments, students will join interdisciplinary teams and agree team “contracts”. During the first part of the module, “The Space of Inquiry” we will learn ways our various disciplines can be used to understand our culture, our society, and our environment. A series of “Reverse Lightning” talks will allow disciplinary experts to demonstrate how they approach these questions. You will then have an opportunity to conduct your own fieldwork with your team. After reading week we will develop our interdisciplinary toolkits for applying critical modes of enquiry to the evidence we have collected to reach informed, constructive, conclusions.

Assessment Strategy

Excellent (A* to A-) Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: Has originality of exposition with the student's own thinking being readily apparent; Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study; and Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Very Good (B+ to B-) Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: Very good structure and logically developed argument; Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student; Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning; and Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Good (C+ to C-) Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: Good structure and logically developed arguments; At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student; Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning; and Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Acceptable (D+ to D-) Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: Generally accurate but with omissions and errors; Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning; Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions; and Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

Learning Outcomes

• Gather, interpret, analyse, and reflect on complex material from a variety of sources

• Plan and execute tasks independently and report to deadline

• Reflect on practice and adjust plans in the light of experience

• Solve problems through interdisciplinary collaboration