Module FSOC1011: Decolonising Knowledge and Power

Department: Social Sciences Faculty Hub

FSOC1011: Decolonising Knowledge and Power

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to concepts and case studies related to colonisation and decolonisation, with specific focus on the themes of knowledge and power.
• To introduce students to research methods and design from a decolonisation perspective.
• To promote the value of a multidisciplinary and intersectional perspective.
• To evaluate and explore the intellectual underpinnings of decolonisation.
• To give an insight into how decolonising knowledge and power pertains to justice and freedoms.

Content

• An introduction to colonialism, postcolonialism and decolonisation
• Other concepts explored may include power, knowledge, race, justice, gender, class, religion/faith, and intersectionality.
• What it means to decolonise knowledge and research.
• Topics/case studies may change from year to year, but indicative content is likely to include some of the following: empire, health, wellness and wellbeing, violence, environment, climate change, literature, indigeneity, food, music, prisons and punishment.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the main concepts in decolonisation.
• Demonstrate awareness of how a decolonising perspective can help in the understanding of one or more topics/case studies.
• Show a knowledge of how decolonising knowledge and power can influence research design and methods.

• Show evidence of reading and understanding of key texts that address practical and theoretical issues relating to decolonisation.
• Show the ability to evaluate the intellectual underpinnings of decolonisation and how different concepts may interact.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the connection between decolonisation and research design.

• Show the ability to retrieve resources and use them confidently and competently.
• Show the ability to evaluate and synthesise information from a variety of sources (e.g. written and verbal).
• Show the ability to synthesise knowledge and perspectives from different disciplines.
• Show effective communication of knowledge and research.
• Show the ability to construct and present reasoned arguments.
• Show the ability to present complex ideas in multiple forms.
• Show independent thought in analysing and critiquing existing scholarship on the subject area and in evaluating its contribution informed by academic debate.
• Show flexibility in applying knowledge to new areas and problems.
• Show the ability to work independently and reflect critically on their own work.
• Show the ability to work to a deadline.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Workshops will explore introductory material on the main concepts and specified topics.
• There will be one Reading Week per term.
• Formative assessment: The submission of one drafted portfolio page and one group presentation, with feedback provided on submitted materials and in workshops.
• The summative assessment will comprise an academic portfolio (100%), worked on across the year, where students will be supported to apply and synthesise academic theory and research to one theme within decolonisation. Students will be encouraged to think about how their chosen form of decolonisation is portrayed in everyday life (in the news, in social media streams, in documentaries, in books, in dramas, on the radio etc.) and compare and contrast this with key academic concepts and research.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

The submission of one drafted portfolio page and participation in one group presentation.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.