Foundation in Humanities

Nation and Identity

By employing approaches and themes from the fields of Philosophy, Religious Studies, History, English Literature and English Language, this module allows students to consider the concept of nationhood. Students will ask a range of engaging questions such as: what is a nation and how is it defined? Is it developed through the shared language and history of a people? Is it about laws and governance, or habits and customs? And what happens when one or several of these characteristics change? In the first part of the module, students will develop an understanding of the different ways in which a nation develops and defines itself. From there, students will develop an understanding of the ways in which the concept of a nation (including aspects such as borders and national identity) can be a site of contest and challenge.

Research Project

The aim of this module is for students to identify, define and complete an extended independent research project. Students will learn to work with advice and support from an academic supervisor, who will provide one-to-one support and guidance on working within a specific subject discipline. Students considering a combined degree can also receive co-supervision through tutorial support both in person and online.

Approaches to Performance

In this module, you’ll examine theatre in the spotlight - and gain a range of theatrical skills. You’ll question the false difference between performance in practice and performance theory. You’ll explore a range of key performance ideas, including how to stage expressionist theatre or draw on rehearsal techniques for naturalist performance. You’ll gain firm knowledge of theatrical forms and approaches to performance, such as: 

• naturalism
• performing modernist political theatre
• melodrama
• staging and lighting.

You’ll also pay attention to your own actions as you learn, enhancing your knowledge of theatrical skills.  

Introduction to Creative Writing

In this module, you’ll enhance your power and ability as a creative writer. You’ll attend workshops where you’ll learn through reading, writing, discussion and feedback. You’ll practise your own writing, explore the interplay of creativity and craft, and analyse how you work as a writer. You’ll join other students to explore key approaches in prose, poetry and script writing, through:

• practical writing exercises 
• discussing each other’s work
• critically analysing the work of published writers
• exploring key writing practices. 

You’ll produce a portfolio of original creative writing, as well as a study of the aims and processes of your creative work. You’ll develop excellent writing habits, and the ability to reflect on your own writing practices. You’ll also understand the literary and cultural context of your own writing. 

Eastern Religious Philosophies

What can philosophies and religions teach us about being human? In this module, you’ll immerse yourself in key themes of Eastern religions, including the Buddhist and Hindu traditions. You’ll gain a core understanding of the philosophical foundations of different religious traditions. 

Education, Childhood and Youth in Popular Culture

How are schools, teachers and students represented in popular culture - from films to literary works? In this module, you’ll dig into recurring educational themes in our society, and how they reflect current debates on education, childhood and the role of the teacher. You’ll ask whether popular culture simply reproduces stereotypes about teaching and schools, or whether it can give us a new perspective on education. And you’ll consider why, as a culture, we’re so keen on reliving our school days through television and books. 

Managing Global Issues: Environment and Development

How can we solve global problems without a world government? How can we resolve issues in international politics which are beyond the limit of individual countries? In this module, you’ll gain key analytical skills, as you explore competing ideas on how to manage two global issues: the environment, and global development. You can choose to focus either on global environmental politics, or global development. 

Introduction to Child and Adolescent Development

How do developmental issues impact children’s learning? In this module, you’ll gain a sound knowledge of development, and the developmental themes behind children’s learning. 
You’ll explore key developmental concepts that affect a child's capacity for learning, and evaluate alternative theoretical models of the learning process. You’ll also consider such topics as: 

• the developing brain
• constructivist and social constructivist approaches to making sense of the world
• family, school, friends and other contexts for learning 
• active engagement in learning - exploration and play 
• self expression and creativity. 

Introduction to International Development

Why do poor people stay poor? Does a country need to industrialise in order to develop? Does population growth help or hinder development? These are the kinds of questions you’ll confront as you explore key issues in the field of international development. You’ll identify the factors that cause poverty in countries defined as ‘less developed’. You’ll look at possible escape routes from poverty and low levels of economic development. We’ll encourage you to draw on your own knowledge and experience where possible in evaluating the policies around development.

Young Children's Outdoor Learning

In this module, you’ll explore how young children learn through play. You’ll also discover how adults plan exploration and play for children in outdoors environments. You’ll get to grips with two key areas: 

• maintaining good provisions and interactions in an early years outdoors area
• teaching and learning through the Forest School approach. 

You’ll look at how children and adults interact in a variety of situations. You’ll also gain core knowledge of health and safety training, as you study issues such as: 

• children as risk-takers
• off-site travel
• maintaining a safe environment.

You’ll develop core analytical skills as you explore how research and the government affect children’s outdoor learning. 

French A1 (Modern Language)

A module in practical French language skills for beginners.

French A2 (1) (Modern Language)

The language level of this module corresponds to work leading to Level A2 in the European Common Framework for Languages (CEFR - A2).

German A1 (Modern Language)

A module in practical language skills for beginners.

German A2 (1) (Modern Language)

The language level of this module corresponds to work leading to Level A2 in the European Common Framework for Languages (CEFR - A2).

Death, Disease and Doctors: Medicine and Society

You’ll examine the history of sickness and healing in society. You’ll look at how people have viewed medicine and disease from 1650 to 2000. In seminars, we’ll investigate issues such as:

• quackery
• war and medicine 
• forensic medicine
• disease control
• public health
• madness and society
• sexual health
• the patient’s view. 

This module builds on your material from other level 4 modules. You’ll gain key critical skills as you identify links between other periods and subjects you’ve studied.

Modern British Art

In this module, you’ll dive into art and artists through the century - from the Camden Town Group, to Modernists like Barbara Hepworth and Pop Artists like Peter Blake. You’ll examine paintings, sculptures and films as you discuss how British artists tried to create modern forms of expression. You’ll also investigate the ways they promoted their work, like:

• exhibitions
• manifestos
• books
• little magazines.

You’ll enjoy on-site visits, where you’ll examine works of art firsthand. You’ll also attend exciting lectures and seminars where you’ll explore your ideas and enrich your understanding of modern British art.

Spanish A1 (Modern Language)

A module in practical language skills for beginners.

Spanish A2 (1) (Modern Language)

The language level of this module corresponds to work leading to Level A2 in the European Common Framework for Languages (CEFR - A2).