Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC2018: National and Community Identity

This module descriptor refers to the 2024/5 academic year.

Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.

Module Aims

This module explores the  politics of identity, through the concepts of memory, belonging, otherness and difference.

 

In practical terms, it introduces students to the idea of communities as imagined narratives which have a function within society, which is extended to national identity where we consider questions relating to the extent to which identity is learned or an accident of birth. The module next takes in the idea that identity is not just about ‘belonging to’, but also about asserting ‘difference from’ other groups. This, and belonging has an impact not just on how groups see themselves, but also how they are perceived by others which affects the kinds of opportunities and courses for action that lie open to group members. The effects of this have impacts throughout local, national and global politics, extending to the terms of political discourse and social justice.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate a substantive understanding of the importance that identity plays for individuals and communities, and the impact that this has locally and globally.
Discipline-Specific Skills2. use primary and secondary sources to identify and construct arguments on a policy and theoretical level. They will also be able to make informed judgements about the implications of abstract concepts, and assess possible outcomes.
3. Understand and apply key concepts around the politics of identity
Personal and Key Skills4. formulate complex arguments about theory and policy, with clarity and precision in written and oral presentations.
5. formulate their own conclusions based on differing forms of evidence.