Module: Contemporary Cultural Debates

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Contemporary Cultural Debates
Module Code	CUS1007 (ITS: LC113)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	SALIS
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

n this module, we will look at some of the cultural, sociological and political issues dominating the public debates in contemporary societies. In the lectures, we will study different theories and concepts that enable us to better understand and respond to those debates, as well as look at several examples and case studies. We will do this using a wide variety of sources, including academic texts, but also political speeches, newspaper articles, as well as films and music videos. In the seminars, you will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the discussed topics through further analyses and discussions of concrete examples.

Learning Outcomes

1. Have a broad understanding of some of the main debates that are currently taking place in our societies
2. Be able to critically approach and assess those issues
3. Debate and argue around issues of relevance to your studies
4. Introduce fundamental concepts that will then be developed throughout your studies
5. Demonstrate appropriate listening skills to enhance communication.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Directed learning	101	Reading and library study
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20221	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Tamara Kolaric	Module Teacher	Agnes Maillot

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	First in-class paper-based test	15%	n/a
Assignment	Position paper and debate report	35%	n/a
Assignment	Second in-class paper-based test	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None