Liverpool: Communication and Culture 1950-1980
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(Revised JB) Liverpool: Communication and Culture 1950-1980 This course will encourage the development of language skills (reading, speaking and listening) through learning about the culture of Liverpool and Merseyside between 1950 and 1980. We will explore a range of music, film, television, and literature made by people born in or associated with Liverpool and Merseyside. We will identify the different voices and styles that have emerged from this region and consider how Liverpool is represented at a time when The Beatles and the Mersey Sound inspired cultural change. We will look at key material (Merseybeat, Mersey Sound, Of Time and the City) in the context of other cultural developments, media responses, magazine and newspaper articles, photographs and local history. No previous background in this subject is necessary. Aims The main aims of the module are: to encourage practice in speaking and listening in English to encourage practice in reading English to learn about Liverpool and Merseyside to introduce a range of material made by people from Liverpool and Merseyside to explore the representation of Liverpool in the twentieth-century to make connections between a variety of material, ideas and themes to encourage individual interpretation and independent thinking Learning Outcomes On completing this module you will be able to demonstrate: enhanced reading, speaking and listening skills in English enhanced critical skills relating to the material studied improved confidence in developing and discussing ideas in a group an awareness of a range of twentieth-century material made in Liverpool and Merseyside between 1950 and 1980 individual response and independent thinking research, writing and presentation skills. Teaching and Learning Strategies The module will be delivered through six, two hour seminars over three weeks. Students will explore their ideas through discussion with the tutor and each other, based on reading and analysis of a selection of material. Students will be encouraged to participate in seminar discussions, complete independent preparation and research leading to a short presentation, and attempt development of reading and analytical skills. There will be opportunity for students to explore their own interests and make connections with texts and ideas outside those covered in the sessions as a way of encouraging independent thinking. All material will be short and manageable and will be provided in photocopy and/or easily available from library or web resources. Assessment Students will be asked to deliver a short presentation, demonstrating analysis, independent research, and individual thinking in the context of the ideas presented in the course. Students will also be continually assessed on their participation in seminars, level of preparation, timekeeping and attendance. Provisional Course Structure (subject to change) Week 1, Session 1 Liverpool Culture: An Overview: Discussion of Liverpool as a place of cultural production, looking at music, television, film, media and literature between 1950 and 1980. Week 1, Session 2 Liverpool Film: Terrence Davis, Of Time and the City Using Davis’s film as an introduction to key shifts in Liverpool culture during the period. Examining culture as personal memoir. Week 2, Session 1 Liverpool Music: Merseybeat to Eric’s: How The Beatles changed music and originated the Merseybeat. Looking at the culture they emerged from, music before and after The Beatles, and the representation of Liverpool in this period. Week 2, Session 2 Liverpool Poetry: The Mersey Sound and beyond. Considering the work of Brian Patten, Roger McGough and Adrian Henri in the context of Merseybeat music and the Beat poets of America. Week 3, Session 1 Presentation Workshop. Guidance and independent research time to help students prepare for their assessed presentations. Week 3, Session 2 Evaluation of Liverpool culture in the light of the definitions, concepts, and materials discussed on the course. Students will deliver their assessed presentations followed by final discussion and feedback. .