Admission requirements
Literature 1A and/or Literature 2, 3 or equivalent.
Description
We will explore British popular culture from 1940 to the present day. We will examine film, television, pop music and youth subcultures. We shall investigate how these popular cultural forms reflect social and political changes in Britain. This means that students will be introduced to the basic ideas and history of ‘cultural studies’.
Course objectives
This course will extend and deepen students’ critical analysis through in-depth consideration of texts. Students will explore critical debates concerning British culture.
The course will aim to provide for literature students the critical skills necessary for the analysis of popular cultural texts.
Students will share analytical and critical views on the texts ascribed in class discussion, including short presentations, and will focus research skills in the writing of a final research paper and an exam. Their paper will be on a relevant subject of their own choice within the parameters of the course.
Timetable
The timetable will be available by June 1st on the website
Mode of instruction
Lecture
Seminar
Research
Course Load
The course load of this course is 280 hours.
24 hours spent on attending lectures and seminars: 24
time for studying the literature and films: 60
time to prepare for the exam and write the papers (including reading / research): 196
Assessment method
Essay(s) (50%):
Two essays of 1200 words (25% each); or, one short essay of 1200 words and one presentation; or, one longer essay on a comparative subject (dealing with at least two texts featured on the syllabus) of 2500 words (50%).
Both essays are due one week following the last class.Final Exam (50%)
If the final grade is 5 or less students may only resit the insufficient course component(s).
Attendance is compulsory. Unauthorized absence will mean that you cannot take part in the relevant exam(s).
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used to provide students with an overview of current affairs, as well as specific information about (components of) the course.
This course is supported by blackboard.
Reading list
There is no set reading. However, one useful book that provides the major essays in the field of cultural studies and therefore may be of use to students is:
During, Simon, (ed.). (2007) The Cultural Studies Reader (Routledge).
Registration
Enrollement trough uSis is mandatory. If you have any questions, please contact the departmental office, tel. 071 5272144 or mail: english@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Registration Studeren à la carte
Registration Contractonderwijs
Contact details
English Language and Culture student administration, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 102C. Tel. 071 5272144; english@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Coordinator of studies: Ms T.D. Obbens, MA, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 103C.
Remarks
The text for week one is: Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943).