166-009 The World is an Amazing Place

This subject addresses the problems posed in the attempt to understand cultures other than one's own. It focuses principally on the non-West and the explanatory role of categories such as race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, progress and development. Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of some of the issues raised by the attempt to study another culture; understand and assess a range of arguments which seek to expand the meaning of the political; understand how, and by whom, a culture is represented in a variety of texts, including novels, film and scholarly works; develop relevant knowledge and skills on which to base further studies in politics or cultural studies; and demonstrate an improved facility in researching and writing essays and presenting arguments in class.

Written work totalling 4000 words.