The module introduces students to seismic historical developments and radical social movements that have impacted human society and culture. Additionally, it encourages the interpretation and analysis of visual materials, written texts and cultural artifacts, with exploration of their historical and social contexts. It also provides students with an introduction to academic skills relevant to the study of academic subjects within the humanities and social sciences.

Indicative content:

• Introduction to the study of human society, culture, beliefs and language
• Introduction to revolutionary developments and radical change in human society and culture
• ‘Revolutions’ (such as agricultural, industrial, technological, scientific, political and social developments)
• Concepts and debates surrounding the shifts from 'the traditional' to 'the modern' to 'the postmodern' 
• Social movements, political activism and art for societal change
• History, politics and literatures of class, gender, ‘race’, sexuality, and disability
• Introduction to the interpretation of cultural texts, materials and artifacts in the humanities and social sciences
• Exploring the historical and social contexts of visual and written materials and cultural artifacts
• Cultural themes such as visions of science, gender representation, rebels and counterculture, and icons and heroes
• Subject lenses and literatures on societal and cultural developments (including archaeological, historical, philosophical, religious, literary, political, geographical, and sociological perspectives)  
• Learning to use and navigate a range of digital spaces specific to your subject
• Understanding academic conduct and conventions for communicating information
• Finding and using a range of academic sources relating to your subject
• Field visit

The module introduces students to global issues that are significant concerns across the humanities and social sciences. Additionally, it encourages the interpretation and analysis of a range of texts and artifacts, and their role in shaping - and changing - understandings and representations of peoples, cultures, and places. The module also provides students with support to advance their academic communication and to expand their research into subject-specific literatures.

Indicative content:

• Global literacy, cultural agility and the concept of the ‘global graduate’
• Intercultural competencies in Higher Education (HE) settings
• Migration and multiculturalism including archaeological, historical, political, literary, philosophical and religious dimensions  
• Concepts, theories and ideologies of globalisation
• Dimensions of globalisation including economic, political, cultural, and religious globalisation
• English language and globalisation, and theories of cultural convergence, differentialism and hybridization
• The expansion of world religions
• Rise of Transnational Corporations (TNCs), globalised media industry and ‘big tech’ developments
• Colonialism, anti-colonial resistances and their legacies and continuities
• International Relations (IR), philosophical influences on IR theories, and international security issues
• Cultures and texts including: writings about place; social and cultural representations through texts and artifacts; and, narratives & storytelling in shaping cultures and cultural meanings
• Subject lenses and literatures on global and cultural issues (including archaeological, historical, philosophical, religious, literary, political, geographical, and sociological perspectives)    
• Advancing digital and academic skills introduced during Term 1
• Developing research and information literacy in relation to your subject
• Creating an academic poster on a chosen research paper
• Exploring genres of writing
• Field visit
• Local case study

This module enables students to take ownership of a personal project. A key focus is supporting a student to research and generate an idea. This will include workshop techniques, how to produce a proposal for a practitioner project and guidance on the planning process. Students will have the autonomy to work within their chosen discipline or area of interest. A proposal and research log are key aspects of learning and assessment, with greater focus placed on the learning curve and ambition of the project than the final product.

Module Aims
To develop skills in identifying topics of interest and generating ideas for a practitioner project
To develop skills in conducting research and producing a proposal for a practitioner project
To develop critical reflection and self-directed study skills
To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a personal project

Module Content

• Using research and workshop techniques to generate ideas 
• Using research to inform the development of stages in a practitioner project 
• Generating a production log showing planning development
• Writing and presenting a proposal 
• Applying critical thinking and self-reflection
• Creating a final piece of work in a relevant format 
• Sessions to include research and study skills, workshops and practical session, self-directed study, specialist support, 1-2-1 tutorials with study supervisor