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Youth Cultures

Key information

  • Module code:

    5AAIC009

  • Level:

    5

  • Semester:

      Spring

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

This module introduces students to examples of youth cultures from around the world, puts them in context, and provides conceptual and theoretical frameworks to help analyse and understand them. It explores a number of key themes and ideas, potentially including identity, resistance/threat, class, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, fandom and the digital. It looks at how youth culture can be seen in relation to culture, media and creative industries, and the connections and tensions between creativity, agency and commodification. Through the module students will be encouraged to draw upon their own interests and expertise in the subject area, whilst developing new knowledge and skills.

Assessment details

Coursework weighted at 100% - 10 Minute Video Essay & Script

Educational aims & objectives

This module aims to: 

  • Introduce a variety of youth cultures, subcultures and movements dating from post-WWII to the present from around the world, locating them within their historical contexts.

  • Familiarise students with key conceptual, theoretical, and thematic frameworks for understanding youth cultures.

  • Consider the impact of technological developments on youth cultures.

  • Encourage students to engage critically with the material, and to generate analysis through the application of theories and concepts to empirical examples.

Learning outcomes

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

  • Demonstrate knowledge of key youth subcultures and their historical contexts.

  • Identify and communicate key theoretical and conceptual frameworks.

  • Apply these frameworks to empirical examples to explain and critically interrogate them.

  • Complete assignments that reflect and communicate the knowledge above.

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.