Human Futures module (HU11001)

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Credits

Module code

HU11001

Level 1
Semester 1
Humanities
Coursework 100%
Highly recommended for all new Humanities students. Evening Workshops Available - Tues (& Thurs weeks 1-5)

Details

A distinctive characteristic of human culture -- and something that distinguishes humans as a species -- is our capacity and instinct to imagine the future. This module helps you to explore the rich variety of imagined futures across time and place through a study of examples based mainly upon historical, literary and philosophical texts.

During the first part of the module, we look at how different cultures have imagined the future, including topics such as millenarianism, progress, utopias, and science fiction. During the second part of the module, you work as part of a small team on a 'future scenarios' project, exploring a theme chosen by your team which enables you to draw upon a wide range of Humanities texts that interest you.

The module is also designed to introduce you to key skills for study in Humanities subjects -- e.g., the interpretation of different kinds of text, and effective writing and analysis -- and it is therefore highly recommended for all new Humanities students.

This module is based mainly on group work. The assessments - a mid-term test and a team project - are both assessed on a pass/fail basis.

Convenor

Teaching

This module consists of two distinct parts, divided chronologically by the School of Humanities reading week (Week 6 of Semester 1).

Part 1

Two lectures per week on the theme of Human Futures.
Two 2-hour active-learning workshops per week, one devoted to the lecture topics, the other to Humanities study skills.

Part 2

One 2-hour workshop per week for team project work.
Project submission and presentations in Week 12.

Assessment

100% Coursework:

Mid-term test
A team project presented in three parts; (1) written analysis [3,000 words]; (2) team oral presentation (3) poster summary of conclusions