What will I learn on this module?
On this module you will explore concepts and theories of identity. You will engage with ideas of class, sexual difference, gender, racial and ethnic identity across the Humanities. You will then apply these theoretical understandings of personal and collective identities, analysing and interpreting identity represented and embodied in textual, linguistic, visual, filmic, and televisual sources. You will explore the ways in which notions of identity have evolved historically, and the ways in which particular identity groups have suffered exclusion and oppression.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn on the module through a stimulating range of lectures, seminars, and film screenings. Your learning will be supported by the excellent library facilities, and by resources made available to you through the e-learning portal. Each week you will be given a preparatory activity (e.g. set reading, a source search) which will form the basis of your explorations in class for that week. Sessions will be delivered by the module team to ensure you benefit from their particular expertise across a range of disciplines.
By attending the lectures and seminars and undertaking the assignments you will be able to achieve the module learning outcomes. As you explore identity you will develop foundational knowledge in research skills, time management, IT skills, critical thinking and evaluation as well as academic communication skills.
In addition to learning during contact hours with the module tutors, you will undertake the directed learning of the preparatory activities as well as independent learning. Independent learning generally will take the form of further reading and research, the consolidation of session materials and the completion of the assessment.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The module handbook provides details of sessions, reading lists and assessment criteria; lecture PowerPoint slides are made available on the e-learning portal. The module tutors will be available in taught sessions, as well as in feedback and consultation hours and on email/phone, to discuss any queries or concerns you have about how to excel academically on the module. Moreover, feedback on formative work and the first summative assessments will also serve as ‘feed forward’, giving guidance on how to improve during the module. In addition, you have a designated Personal Guidance Tutor throughout the entire duration of your programme. The academic side of the Personal Guidance Tutor’s role includes:
• monitoring your ongoing academic progress
• helping you to develop self-reflection skills necessary for continuous academic development
• directing you to further available services which can help them with their academic skills (e.g. Library’s Skills Plus)
You are advised to see your Personal Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. capacity to engage with theories of class, sexual, gendered, racial and ethnic identities.
2. demonstrate an ability to draw upon theory to analyse textual, visual, filmic and televisual representations of identity.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3 demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research.
4 demonstrate the ability to construct a coherent, theorised argument.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5 demonstrate an awareness of the importance of different types of personal and collective identity.
How will I be assessed?
Formative:
Reading List:
Over the course of the module you will contribute your top 5 sources to a shared reading list for the module. (MLO 1 & 3)
Essay Plan:
You will develop a 500 word plan and bibliography in preparation for your summative essay (MLO 1-4)
Summative:
Essay:
You will write a 1500 word essay on a topic chosen from a list supplied by your tutor. (MLO 1-5)
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
UCAS Code L8L9
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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