Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
This module explores the diverse set of meanings and practices which influence consumer behaviour in a global, multi-cultural and increasingly digital context, through the use of various theories and concepts and consideration of actual, contemporary consumption activity. In doing so, it critically addresses issues such as identity, community and motivation. The implications that this has for businesses and other enterprises will also be covered.
Aims
Understanding the consumer is essential for effective practice in the contemporary global marketplace. This module explores understanding by taking an inter-disciplinary approach, looking at the history of consumption and consumer culture and considering theoretical frameworks drawn across the social science disciplines including sociology, psychology, cultural studies and anthropology. This allows consideration of the consumer as both an individual as well as a social being being influenced by family, groups and culture.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/man-40120/lists
Intended Learning Outcomes
summarise and express a cogent argument in relation to a contemporary aspect of consumer behaviour: 1,2critically analyse a range of theoretical positions in the relation to "the consumer" and "consumer culture" with recourse to insights derived from other subject disciplines such as sociology, psychology, anthropology and cultural studies: 1,2demonstrate a thorough understanding of the role of culture and context in exploring consumer society, to embrace global as well as more localised perspectives within the digital age: 1,2demonstrate advanced knowledge of the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of consumer society and an understanding of the ways in which these are implicated in actual consumption activities: 1,2
12 hours of lectures 12 hours of workshops50 hours of directed reading and class preparation76 hours of independent study and assessment preparation
Description of Module Assessment
1: Presentation weighted 40%Individual presentationStudents will be given a choice of topics relating to contemporary consumer behaviours upon which to base their presentation. Within the presentation they must encapsulate current and topical issues in an analytical way, demonstrating links between the topics and links to academic literature and theory.
2: Essay weighted 60%2,500 word essayStudents will be given a choice of topics upon which to base their essay. They must use the academic literature to critically analyse the chosen topic and its underpinning theoretical concepts, linking it to module content.