English and Creative Writing (Foundation Year)

This module will promote a successful transition to higher education study by developing the skills required for the study of humanities and social science disciplines. Areas covered include independence and initiative, search strategies, reading and writing for academic purposes, critical thinking, and academic integrity, including use of appropriate citation and referencing conventions. The module also encourages knowledge and familiarity with university regulations and the range of Student Support Services.

Developing on Academic Practice (1), this module will embed core academic practice and develop research skills associated with humanities and social science disciplines. Students will work in discipline clusters to extend knowledge of specific disciplinary practices especially related to research. Students will select from a range of projects or live briefs negotiated with a supporting and supervising tutor to engage in either curriculum, community or career. Students will deliver a presentation of the project and its outcomes for assessment.

A foundational introduction to the key skills and processes of creative writing. Students will progress as readers and as writers by participating in workshop sessions, developing their own original work in prose, poetry and script, and reflecting on their process.

A foundational introduction to the skills of close reading and textual analysis, focusing on a selection of texts that may include literary and cultural, critical and theoretical, film and media, historical and philosophical.

Students will be introduced to a range of definitions of culture and sub-culture. Using a range of lenses (eg age, race, class, location, gender, sexuality, religion, role), students will begin to critique a range of everyday texts and manifestations of culture. The module provides a sound foundation for students progressing on to courses of literature, language and linguistics promoting a critical awareness of salient features of a range of artefacts.

This module evaluates key social, political and economic developments in British history between 1945 to 2000.  It assesses the key changes in society following the end of the Second World War. Key topics include: politics and the post-war consensus, youth culture, immigration and race relations and Thatcher and Thatcherism.

This module evaluates further key social, political and economic developments in British history during the period 1945-2000.  It assesses the changing nature of society following the end of the Second World War.  Key topics include: the British economy, the Swinging Sixties, the rise of pressure groups and popular campaigns and the Miner's Strike.

Students will become familiar with relevant technical vocabulary used to explain linguistic and rhetorical devices, and to facilitate close analysis of texts. Artefacts include political speech, social media posts, popular music, literary texts, newspapers, films and advertisements.  Students will prepare commentaries on chosen texts. Peer interaction will be embedded into the approach throughout the modules in order to take an inclusive approach in which students can share their own cultural assumptions and ideologies.

The module focuses on reading, writing, listening and speaking, from within both an academic and general context. The module is designed for non-native English speakers to prepare them for the academic demands of their degree course, as well as helping them with daily English needs. The module content is largely based on the development of academic skills, notably writing and speaking, to give you confidence in your written work and oral presentations. General English is also focused on, however, as the means to helps you develop your abilities in English communication needed outside the classroom.

Students will take 2x 15 credit Uniwide language modules. Languages available include French, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Modern Standard Arabic or Spanish and at a range of levels, subject to viability. You will be assessed in speaking, listening, reading and writing using an integrated skills approach.