The course introduces students to the study and representation of the everyday, the mix of sweeping trends and little things that make up the day-in, day-out of life. Via key themes (such as private and public space, rhythms and routines, streets and houses, interaction and alienation, boredom and surprise) we will analyse a selection of filmic, photographic and literary texts in which the everyday is portrayed (such as city symphonies, photobooks, literary fiction and documentaries).

20 x 1 hour sessions over both semesters as scheduled in MyCampus

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay (2000 words) - 50% 

■ Individual Presentation - 25% 

■ Report (1000 words) - 25% 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ Recorded presentation (video or audio) or one-to-one presentation with staff as alternative to the Presentation 

■ There is no alternative to the Essay, but extensions to the deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ There is no alternative to the Report, but extensions to the deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ introduce students to the everyday as a theoretical category and field of representation;

■ expand students' understanding of the different strategies writers, filmmakers and photographers have used to address the challenges and potentialities of everyday life;

■ develop awareness of topics and key works of cross-cultural and intermedial interest to students of Modern Languages and Cultures.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ explain the main terms and concepts in theoretical reflections on the everyday;

■ produce sustained arguments on a variety of filmic, photographic and literary texts representing the everyday drawn from diverse cultural contexts

■ engage in further research on any of the theoretical issues and representational forms covered;

■ present ideas clearly and analytically both orally and in writing with appropriate citation of sources, uses of evidence and attribution of contribution.