Module description
In this module, students will explore how bodies are shaped by, and respond to, a range of social, cultural, political and historical forces. Using insights from across the social sciences, the module introduces key debates about how bodies are regulated, represented, experienced and contested in everyday life.
The module introduces theoretical concepts such as biopolitics, embodiment, discipline and affect, and considers how they can be used to understand concrete social issues and concerns. Topics might include:
Sleep and exhaustion
- Care and health
- Beauty norms
- Border control
- Confinement
- Digital health tracking and bio-hacking
- Disability and illness
- Pleasure and pain
Students will work with examples from different global contexts and be introduced to feminist, queer, trans, anticolonial and posthumanist approaches.
Each week, students will engage in workshop-based learning, combining close reading of texts, discussion of relevant practitioner approaches with collaborative discussion, creative methods and critical reflection.
This module supports students in developing their analytical, research, communication and reflective skills—relevant not only to academic work but also to employment in sectors such as policy, health, culture, education and activism.
Assessment details
- Assessment 1: Practice with accompanying reflective 1,000 word essay (30%)
- Assessment 2: 1,800 word portfolio (70%)
Educational aims & objectives
This module aims to equip students with the theoretical and analytical tools to critically examine how bodies are lived, shaped. changed and contested across a range of social, cultural and political contexts. The module will draw on feminist, queer, trans, critical disability, anticolonial and posthumanist thought, applying ideas and literature to case study examples. Emphasis is placed on independent critical enquiry, ethical reflexivity and the application of theory and concepts to real-world examples. Students will develop their ability to synthesise complex ideas, communicate them effectively and reflect on their own positionality as researchers and learners.