Module Title:Material Culture
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Lectures and discussion. Blackboard will be used for additional material and class engagement.
Module Aim: The aim of this module is to develop learner’s awareness of the importance of objects and the built environment to create meaning. The module explores what objects tell us about people and places in the past and present and how we can use this knowledge in the area of set design. Learners are introduced to the discipline of material culture examining how buildings, landscapes and objects locate us in particular times but also define and focus the atmosphere in a film or theatrical production. The module will focus on how objects and locations in set design can be used to translate a full range of conceptual ideas from politics to character’s emotions and more.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Identity key theories associated with material culture.
LO2 Apply knowledge of how objects and environments make meaning in the context of set design.
LO3 Analyze and evaluate various interpretative strategies to research objects and environments.
LO4 Construct a developed discussion incorporating interpretative strategies used in the study of material culture.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
The Study of Material Culture
What do objects mean? Metaphor and Translation- The biography of objects- Objects and People.
Material Practices
Agency- Consumption- Collecting - Exchange- Art- Materials in the Everyday- Performance and Memory- Pattern and Ornament.
Architecture ad the Built Environment
Vernacular-Modernism- Urban Spaces- Industrialized/ deindustrialized- Infrastructure.
Heritage
Tradition and Identity
Interiors
Domestic- Work spaces -Transit hubs- Confinement- Leisure.
Global Entanglements
Colonialism- Post-colonialism- The Museum- Cabinet of Curiosities- Display- Ethics of Return.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Presentation Learner's will give a short presentation on theories of interpretation in material culture. 1 20.00 Week 3
Essay This assignment can take the form of a written essay (1800 -2000 words) video or audio. 1,2,3,4 50.00 Week 10
Reflective Journal This assignment will include 10 contributions based on learner's response to class. 2,3 30.00 Week 12
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Every Week 4.00
Independent Learning Time Every Week 4.00
Total Hours 8.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_CGSDC_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Set Design and Construction 4 Mandatory
CW_CGSDC_D Bachelor of Science in Set Design and Construction 4 Mandatory