Liberal Arts

Global Humanities 3: Values and Believing

Module code: Q9120
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework

This module will explore the most fundamental question of knowledge: how do we know? Through a combination of analytical engagements with specific topics–treated historically and comparatively –students will gain an understanding of the relationships between values, beliefs and facts as they come together to form a picture of what we (think) we know about the world. The intellectual narrative of the module begins with a philosophical exploration of the nature of truth, value and language, moves on to questions of fact, fiction and data, then explores issues of writing, representation and art. You will explore three distinct but inter-related topics—The Witch Hunt, The Virus, and The Archive—which will be approached across a wide range of cultural, intellectual, historical and disciplinary contexts. Teaching on the module combines talks, dialogues, and workshop activities to bring the questions explored to life.

Module learning outcomes

• Critically assess and analyse process of knowledge-production and circulation, and evaluate the validity of particular forms of knowledge.
• Effectively communicate analysis and argument in relation to knowledge-production and circulation, and present them in written form.
• Independently research and analyse a particular example of knowledge-production and circulation.
• Apply culture-specific knowledge to think critically, comparatively and creatively about global, national and local issues.