Liberal Arts

Practising Humanities 3: Mobilise, Persuade, Decide

Module code: Q9122
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Workshop, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

This module builds on the skills developed in Year 1, but places further emphasis on the development of transferable ‘real world’ skills and an ability to work with different groups of people beyond the university. It focuses on how the knowledge produced through research can be leveraged to achieve social change through activities such as community organising, citizen assemblies, lobbying, social media influencing, advocacy, rhetoric, and different activist strategies. The module is structured around two practical tasks: a citizen assembly and a think tank. Both these entities are explored in terms of how they work, their context, their methods, the activities, infrastructures and kinds of organisation each requires. Students work together, undertaking both tasks and reflecting and analysing the experience.

Module learning outcomes

• Communicate effectively with others; articulate the value of particular arguments, positions, perspectives and information to different groups, audiences, and stakeholders.
• Develop capacity to produce persuasive arguments, to work within a diverse team structure, negotiate and manage varying perspectives. 
• Identify problems and develop organisational strategies to solve them.
• Apply appropriate modes of evaluation, and systematically reflect on the efficacy of methods and arguments.