Cultural Policy and Governance

Module description

This module will provide students with a comprehensive overview of contemporary cultural policy – what it is, what motivates it, how it is made, what consequences it produces, and most importantly why it matters for students as future artists, creatives and citizens. While helping students learn about state policies in the broader cultural sector, the module actively uses international and comparative materials to help them to develop global problem-solving skills. The focus of the module will be on key aims and values of cultural policy, such as national identity, nurturing creation, public value, public accessibility and cultural diversity.

Assessment details

Coursework weighted at 100% - 3000 word Cultural Policy Analysis 

Educational aims & objectives

This module aims to:

• Critically introduce the main features of contemporary cultural policy and governance and help students to identify key points for debate.
• Explore how cultural policy affects not only the work and life of cultural producers but also our everyday life.
• Give students analytical perspectives of the motivations, implementation and consequences of state policies on the arts, culture, heritage and the creative industries.
• Offer comparative perspectives of cultural policy and nurture students’ capacity to solve national and global cultural policy problems.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate their ability to:

• Explain the structure, organisation, actors and actions involved in cultural policy nationally and internationally.
• Identify and confidently explain key issues of contemporary cultural policy, especially the issues surrounding nation building, state subsidy, public interest (value), accessibility, artist welfare and cultural trade.
• Demonstrate international perspective and global sensibility.
• Confidently apply concepts and theories to analyse real-world cases.
• Critically read and understand policy text.

Teaching pattern

Ten one-hour lectures and ten one-hour seminars

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.