2026/27 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

COMM5705M Identity and Culture

30 Credits Class Size: 64

Module manager: Prof Yvonne Tasker
Email: Y.Tasker@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The intersection of media, identity and culture is central to how groups and individuals form identities as selves in consumer society, as participants in collective life, and as citizens in political life. Deepening one’s knowledge of theories about culture, identity and diversity leads to analytical techniques for examining experience and allows students to become critical.

Objectives

The module has three aims: -
-To deepen knowledge at the intersection of identity and culture;
-To examine that nexus in the formation of identity for groups and individuals;
-To develop analytical techniques for examining lived experience as selves in consumer society, as members of collectives, and as citizens in political life

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

1) explain and evaluate critical academic approaches to the study of identity and culture, including commentaries on race, gender, nationalism and class.
2) describe and critically assess current scholarship on lived experience
3) apply an extended critique to one specific area of identity theory
4) reflect upon their own standards and approaches to digital media
demonstrate a practical knowledge of how to study lived experience

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Critical thinking – the ability to weigh up different perspectives from different areas of identity theory, and use supporting evidence to form independent arguments.
6. Independent research and communication skills – the ability to plan, research and write an individual research essay on one specific area of identity.

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
Lecture 11 1 11
Seminar 11 1 11
Private study hours 278
Total Contact hours 22
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 300

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The module leader holds regular office hours to meet students without appointment. Students may also make appointments to meet further with the module leader. Weekly activities and discussions in the seminar allow the module leader to observe student progress and offer feedback to ensure understanding.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Essay 3500-4500 words 70
Reflective log 2000-2500 words 30
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Resit available through original assessment format.

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

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