Undergraduate Module Descriptor

ANT2103: Senses and Society

This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.

Module Aims

The aims of this module are to introduce the relationship between the senses and lived social worlds, and to explore the how the different senses shape and are shaped social practices and cultural differences. It will discuss central topics and issues, different research agendas and theoretical orientations. With the use of specific and historically diverse examples, the module will examine key issues of current social life and how the perspective of sensory practices offers a novel understanding of the social and society.

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 your knowledge of different approaches to the study of sensory practices
2. Analyse and evaluate key issues in the field of sensory practices in relation to specific themes, studies and findings
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Select relevant material and structure it in order to present coherent arguments
4. Display – in written and oral form – an understanding of the disciplines’ relation to, and difference from, other approaches and explanations offered towards the senses and society
Personal and Key Skills5. Undertake independent study and group work
6. Prepare focused and comprehensive written and oral presentations

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

Basic reading:

Classen, C. (1993) Worlds of Sense: Exploring the Senses in History and Across Cultures. Routledge

Howes, D. (2004) Empire of the Senses: The Sensual Culture Reader. Berg

Howes, D. (2013) Ways of Sensing: Understanding the Senses in Society. Routledge

Vannini, P. et al. (eds) (2013) The Senses in Self, Society and Culture. Routledge
Schillmeier, M. (2012) Rethinking Disability. Bodies, Senses and Things. London: Routledge