2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SLSP5310M Contested Bodies

30 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Prof Ruth Holliday
Email: r.holliday@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

SLSP5302M Contested Bodies

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Philosophical, cultural and sociological theory frequently celebrates the mind at the expense of the body. However, as people we can only experience the world through our bodies and are perceived by others in our bodies. Body theorists have offered considerable challenges to a mind/body split and have developed theories that make the body a central concept in social and cultural analysis. This module explores approaches to the body through particular theorists including Foucault, Butler, Grosz and Merleau-Ponty, and themes such as; bodies as commodities; the body and technology; bodies crossing borders; fat bodies; and body modifications such as beauty, exercise, slenderness, cosmetic surgery, tattooing, piercing and transexuality.

Objectives

This module will engage students in higher level debates providing them with advanced understanding of key concepts and theories in relation to the body. Student will apply these skills to a breadth of contemporary issues allowing them to develop their critical knowledge and understanding.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1. identify key theoretical concepts in the study of the body; - understand the critical debates surrounding the gendering of the body;
2. critically analyse bodies and bodily practices;
3. review and critically appraise writing on the body;
4. synthesise information and knowledge from a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives;
5. use the above to produce a critical essay which addresses key arguments and debates within the study of the body.

Skills learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

1. Employ social research practices that allow for critical reflection and thinking about own approaches
2. Apply critical thinking skills to a range of social issues
3. Communicate complex information, including concepts, verbally and in written form

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Practicals	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			278.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback will be provided to students during their attendance and participation in workshops.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 12/04/2024 15:40:09

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD