Module manager: Nadine Cavigioli
Email: N.M.Cavigioli@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
When did you last pause to consider the range of factors that have influenced and shaped you into being the unique individual you are? This module will begin by looking at identity formation within social and cultural contexts (e.g. mass media, film, education), to identify who is othered in societies and analyse why this happens. As we progress to focus on theories of learning we draw upon intersectionality theory to provide a holistic understanding of your identity to consider the influence of past life on the present. You will gain skills in reflective practice and writing an autoethnography (a study of the self) as you conduct a critical self-reflection of your learner identity formation and analyse this using related theory; this process can have a transformative effect in how students view themselves in a new way. This module is suited to anyone who is interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the self, as well as wanting to understand identify formation generally; such skills can support you in working with others with empathy as this is underpinned by equity and social justice perspectives.
The objectives of the module are to:
1. Develop a critical understanding of identity formation within social and cultural contexts by drawing upon educational, psychological, and sociological theories to understand who is othered in societies and why this happens.
2. Use intersectionality theory as a lens to develop a holistic understanding of identity formation and to identify how past experiences impact the present by drawing upon learning theory.
3. Develop reflective practice by writing an autoethnography, a critical study of the self.
4. Encourage transformative learning, in revisiting past events with the aim to gain new insight.
5. Support emotional intelligence by engaging with diverse lived experience data, drawing upon equity and social justice perspectives in order to work with others empathetically.
On completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Explore and analyse key debates in the construction of identity.
2. Reflect on a range of perspectives on identity and consider their implications in relation to identity formation within a social and cultural context.
3. Use an intersectional lens to critically analyse how identities are constructed.
4. Reflect upon societal norms and identify what influence othering may have on identity formation.
5. Conduct a critical self-reflection to identify and better understand identity formation.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Reflective practice: application of autoethnography methodology by conducting an in-depth self-analysis of own lived experiences.
2. Critical thinking: application of identity and learning theories, to better analyse the self and others.
3. Self-awareness: Having a better understanding of the self via in-depth reflection.
4. Cultural/ diversity awareness: Appreciation, respect and value of diversity and difference when engaging with a diverse range of lived experiences from session discussions and source material.
Reflective writing
- Range of perspectives on identity.
- Critical analysis of how identities are constructed using an intersectional lens.
- How othering due to societal norms can affect identity formation.
- Reflective writing.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorials | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Seminar | 9 | 2 | 18 |
| Independent online learning hours | 40 | ||
| Private study hours | 140 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will read a range of theories and perspectives focused on the formation of identity during their private study. They will also practice reflective writing during their independent learning time.
There will be draft feedback for both assessments and group tutorial support for assessment two
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Autoethnography (a self-reflective study of the self) 2,500 words | 70 |
| Reflective report/log | Video essay (combines video/ still images, voice-over, argument and evidence) 8 minutes | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
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