ENG-20055 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2020/21

This module is designed to give students studying Humanities subjects the opportunity to contribute to the world beyond the University, in any workplace where the research, analytical, and communication skills developed as part of a Humanities degree can be used. The chosen workplace may be, for example, a local museum, theatre, charity, library, school or education provider, marketing company, PR firm, local newspaper, local radio, or another suitable opportunity identified by the student and approved by the module leader. While on the placement, students will produce a portfolio reflecting on and giving evidence of the activities/outputs completed at their chosen workplace. These may include, for example, researching and producing materials advertising or supporting current or proposed exhibits or performances, researching and producing written or audio pieces, and/or planning small-group educational activities on Humanities-related topics. Advice will be given on identifying and contacting placements and composing a CV in semester 1, and support will be provided throughout the placement, which will usually take place in semester 2. Through this module students will obtain crucial first-hand experience of applying for a position and working in an environment where they can utilise the skills developed on their degree, developing their employability for when they leave Keele. They should also enjoy sharing their skills and knowledge with people outside of the university and making a personal contribution to their chosen workplace.
Students should note that this is a year-long (i.e. Semester 1-2) 15 credit module, but with the bulk of the work (including most of the assessment) undertaken in semester 2. Therefore, all students choosing this module should select ENG-20055 in addition to four other 15 credit modules in semester 1. You will then select three modules (45 credits) in semester 2. This will produce the correct total credits of 120 across the year and provide a proper balance to your workload. This arrangement also ensures that, in the extremely unlikely event of failing to find a satisfactory placement by January, you will then be able to withdraw from ENG-20055 and opt in to another 15-credit module by way of replacement for the second semester.

This module aims to
- enhance the career knowledge and employability of students studying Humanities subjects;
- support students in effectively researching and applying for employment roles;
- provide students with first-hand experience of the day-to-day operations of a relevant working environment, including developing their ability to work co-operatively and productively with others;
- encourage Humanities students to apply and reflect on the range of degree-relevant skills in a broader work context;
- develop students¿ capacity to construct and carry through independent tasks/projects;
- increase students¿ knowledge of and familiarity with the University Careers Service.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Reflect upon and convey their experiences and (subject-specific) skills developed through their education and additional experiences in order to be effective in securing additional work experience and employment or further study: 1,2,3
Understand the variety of ways in which skills developed during the study of Humanities subjects can be deployed in non-academic contexts: 1,2,3
Understand the aims and priorities, and possible limitations, of an external organisation and design and complete effective activities/projects/materials that support these: 2,3
Assess their own strengths and weaknesses in an employment context and reflect on their progress through the module: 1,2,3
Work flexibly, reliably, and cooperatively with others: 3
Articulate their placement experiences effectively and reflect on their enhanced skill set in front of an audience, utilising visual aids: 2

Study hours

Semester 1: 10 hours formal teaching (workshops); 1 hour (individual meeting(s) with discipline lead)
Semester 2: 75 hours of placement; 2 hours formal teaching (1 x 2-hour workshop assessment preparation); 2 hours assessment session (2-hour presentation session with others from subject area); 1 hour (individual meeting(s) with discipline lead)
Preparation and applying for placement (including assessment 1): 16 hours
Preparation for Presentation (Assessment 2): 13 hours
Preparation for Portfolio (Assessment 3): 30 hours

School Rules

Cap module at 12 students per discipline area:
e.g. English, EALs, Film (12); History, American Studies (12); Media, Film (12) = 36 students.

Description of Module Assessment