Culture and Activism

Module description

This module will look at key social movements from the 20th and 21st century and the ways in which culture and cultural expression have been central to representing social causes, communicating concerns and engendering public support for social change. It will examine how technologies have changed the shape of cultural expression, often defining the texture and possibilities of activist practices. The module will explore a wide range of cultural practices and their relationship with activism including the visual arts, performing arts and music. It will draw from examples across time and geographic locations.

Assessment details

Coursework weighted at 100% - 3,000-word Activist Project Plan OR Essay

Educational aims & objectives

This module aims to:

• Develop students' understanding of the relationship between culture, activism, mediation and society;
• Introduce students to key issues, debates and histories at the intersection of culture and activism;
• Equip students with the tools to understand and evaluate the politics, representations and initiatives of activism in various cultural sectors and locations;
• Critically facilitate students' ability to apply key concepts from the module to conceptualising and critiquing real-world activist interventions.

Learning outcomes

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

• Understand a wide range of histories as they pertain to the relationship between activism, culture, mediation and society;
• Recognise and be able to analyse current debates around culture and activism;
• Critically understand and evaluate how various forms of activist practices are represented in different cultural sectors;
• Apply key concepts of the module to the implementation, planning and critique of real-world activist interventions.

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.