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COMB1041: Decolonising Knowledge and Power

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Type	Open
Level	1
Credits	20
Availability	Available in 2023/24
Module Cap	30
Location	Durham
Department	Combined Honours in Social Sciences

Prerequisites

none

Corequisites

none

Excluded Combinations of Modules

none

Aims

To introduce students to concepts and case studies related to colonisation and decolonisation, with specific focus on the themes of knowledge and power.
To introduce students to research methods and design from a decolonisation perspective.
To promote the value of a multidisciplinary and intersectional perspective.
To evaluate and explore the intellectual underpinnings of decolonisation.
To give an insight into how decolonising knowledge and power pertains to justice and freedoms.

Content

An introduction to colonialism, postcolonialism and decolonisation
Other concepts explored may include power, knowledge, race, justice, gender, class, religion/faith, and intersectionality.
What it means to decolonise knowledge and research.
Topics/case studies may change from year to year, but indicative content is likely to include some of the following: empire, health, wellness and wellbeing, violence, environment, climate change, literature, indigeneity, food, and music.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Demonstrate a knowledge of the main concepts in decolonisation.
Demonstrate awareness of how a decolonising perspective can help in the understanding of one or more topics/case studies.
Show a knowledge of how decolonising knowledge and power can influence research design and methods.

Subject-specific Skills:

Show evidence of reading and understanding of key texts that address practical and theoretical issues relating to decolonisation.
Show the ability to evaluate the intellectual underpinnings of decolonisation and how different concepts may interact.
Demonstrate an awareness of the connection between decolonisation and research design.

Key Skills:

Show the ability to retrieve resources and use them confidently and competently.
Show the ability to evaluate and synthesise information from a variety of sources (e.g. written and verbal).
Show the ability to synthesise knowledge and perspectives from different disciplines.
Show effective communication of knowledge and research.
Show the ability to construct and present reasoned arguments.
Show the ability to present complex ideas in multiple forms.
Show independent thought in analysing and critiquing existing scholarship on the subject area and in evaluating its contribution informed by academic debate.
Show flexibility in applying knowledge to new areas and problems.
Show the ability to work independently and reflect critically on their own work.
Show the ability to work to a deadline.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Workshops will explore introductory material on the main concepts and specified topics.
Formative assessment will be via comments on submitted materials and feedback in workshops.
Summative assessment will comprise a portfolio of materials exploring concepts and topics relating to the module:
(1) For the first summative assessment component (40%), each student will be expected to submit a total of 5 portfolio entries at regular intervals across the duration of the module. If all are submitted according to the guidelines provided in the handbook the student will gain 100% for this component and pass the module. Students will receive structured written feedback on all portfolio entries submitted.
(2) For the second summative assessment component (60%), each student will be asked to write a reflection essay commenting on the 5 portfolio entries.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total	Monitored
Workshops	20	Weekly	2 hours	40
Preparation and Reading (including any flipped activities)				160

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework		Component Weighting: 40%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Portfolio entries	5 entries	100	Yes

Component: Coursework		Component Weighting: 60%
Element	Length / Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Reflective Account	1,500 words	100	Yes

Formative Assessment

A 500 word reflective account commenting on at least two of the portfolio entries will be due at the end of Michaelmas. Written formative feedback on the portfolio items will be provided at the beginning of Epiphany term.

More information

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