Module manager: Prof Ruth Holliday
Email: r.holliday@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
SLSP5302M Contested Bodies
This module is not approved as an Elective
Philosophical, cultural and sociological theory frequently celebrates the mind at the expense of the body. However, as people we can only experience the world through our bodies and are perceived by others in our bodies. Body theorists have offered considerable challenges to a mind/body split and have developed theories that make the body a central concept in social and cultural analysis. This module explores approaches to the body through particular theorists including Foucault, Butler, Grosz and Merleau-Ponty, and themes such as; bodies as commodities; the body and technology; bodies crossing borders; fat bodies; and body modifications such as beauty, exercise, slenderness, cosmetic surgery, tattooing, piercing and transexuality.
This module will engage students in higher level debates providing them with advanced understanding of key concepts and theories in relation to the body. Student will apply these skills to a breadth of contemporary issues allowing them to develop their critical knowledge and understanding.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. identify key theoretical concepts in the study of the body; - understand the critical debates surrounding the gendering of the body;
2. critically analyse bodies and bodily practices;
3. review and critically appraise writing on the body;
4. synthesise information and knowledge from a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives;
5. use the above to produce a critical essay which addresses key arguments and debates within the study of the body.
Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Employ social research practices that allow for critical reflection and thinking about own approaches
2. Apply critical thinking skills to a range of social issues
3. Communicate complex information, including concepts, verbally and in written form
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practicals | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Private study hours | 278 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Formative feedback will be provided to students during their attendance and participation in workshops.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 4/12/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team