Prospectus

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Literature 5C: Introduction to British Popular Culture

Course
2013-2014

Admission requirements

Successful completion of Literature 1A, 1B, 2 and 3 or equivalent.

Description

Brief introductory description of the course. Please include course subject and teaching materials used.

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. 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

  • Seminar

  • Reading List

Course Load

The course load of this course is 280 hours.

  • 24 hours spent on attending lectures and seminars: 24

  • time for studying the compulsory literature: 60

  • time to prepare for the presentation and write the papers (including reading / research): 196

Assessment method

One graded presentation (25%)

Three essays of 2000-2500 words (25% each); or, one short essay (25%) and one longer essay on a comparative subject (dealing with at least two texts featured on the syllabus) of 4000-5000 words (50%). All essays must contain a significant element of research.
The first shorter essay (if the student decides to do this) is due on the Tuesday of the week following the last teaching week (week 14); the long essay and the second (and third) shorter essay/s are due in during the exam period.

STUDENTS MUST REGULARLY ATTEND CLASSES. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL MEAN THAT YOUR ESSAY(S) WILL GO UNGRADED.

Blackboard

This course is supported by blackboard.

Reading list

  • During, Simon, (ed.). (2007) The Cultural Studies Reader (Routledge).

Registration

Students should register through uSis. Exchange students cannot register through uSis, but must see the coordinator of studies and register with her. 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 via Studeren à la carte
Registration via Contractonderwijs

Contact

English Language and Culture departmental office, 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: David Lean, Brief Encounter (1945).