Cities, Capital, Culture (P5039)

30 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

This module will explore the role that cities have had in conceptualising ideas about culture. Using the history and theory of urban culture, concepts such as ‘the spectacle’ and modernity will be materially investigated. The module goes on to ask what happens to our ideas about culture and society if we shift our focus from Berlin to Birmingham, from London to Lagos, or from hectic city centres to the edges of cities. Building on these enquiries we will critically explore programmes of urban branding and heritage work such as the European Capital of Culture and International Expos.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 24 hours of contact time and about 276 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2020/21. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• English and Media Studies (with a study abroad year) BA
• English and Media Studies BA
• Media and Communications BA