Course unit details:
Culture and Conflict: Neoliberalism and Cultural Production

Course unit fact file
Unit code ENGL30261
Credit rating 20
Unit level Level 3
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Offered by English and American Studies
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

Britain's experience of the transition to the kinds of neoliberal (ie. market-driven) policies which now dominate government agendas globally was one characterized by intense conflict, over economic organization (resulting in open class struggle), over Britain's national and postcolonial identity, and in relation to the value of subcultures. This period therefore witnessed both revolutionary change advanced by the political right and forms of resistance which posited alternative social possibilities. Culture and Conflict will look at the roles played by culture in relation to these conflicts, and will critically examine Marxist and post-Marxist theories which have attempted to make sense of such conflicts. In considering the ideological specificities of forms of cultural dissidence, attention will also be paid to the nature of the cultural institutions (eg. theatre, television, film production) in which that dissidence was developed.

Aims

  • To introduce students to a range of Marxist/materialist cultural theory;
  • To deploy this theoretical work in the analysis of aspects of British culture in the period in which neo-liberalism achieved hegemony (the period of Thatcher onwards);
  • To encourage close reading of various forms of cultural production in relation to the larger ideological context of this period;
  • To develop analyses of individual works in relation to the institutional contexts for cultural production in this period.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, the successful student should have:

  • An understanding of a range of Marxist/post-Marxist Cultural Theory;
  • The ability to deploy this theoretical material in the analysis of aspects of British culture of the period under consideration;
  • An enhanced ability closely to analyze various forms of cultural production in relation to larger ideological contexts;
  • An ability to discuss individual works in relation to their institutional contexts, and to relate both to dominant forces.

Employability skills

Analytical skills
Students taking this unit will be able to analyse and evaluate arguments and texts. Above all, committed students will emerge from this course unit with an advanced capacity to think critically, i.e. knowledgeably, rigorously, confidently and independently.
Group/team working
Students taking this unit will be able to work courteously and constructively as part of a larger group.
Innovation/creativity
On this unit students are encouraged to respond imaginatively and independently to the questions and ideas raised by texts and other media.
Leadership
Students on this unit must take responsibility for their learning and are encouraged not only to participate in group discussions but to do so actively and even to lead those discussions.
Project management
Students taking this unit will be able to work towards deadlines and to manage their time effectively.
Oral communication
Students taking this unit will be able to show fluency, clarity and persuasiveness in spoken communication.
Research
Students on this unit will be required to digest, summarise and present large amounts of information. They are encouraged to enrich their responses and arguments with a wide range of further reading.
Written communication
Students on this unit will develop their ability to write in a way that is lucid, precise and compelling.

Assessment methods

Portfolio of exercises 30%
Essay 70%

 

Feedback methods

Written and face-to-face (upon arrangement)

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 11
Seminars 22
Independent study hours
Independent study 200

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Christopher Vardy Unit coordinator

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £29,200 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about student finance options for UK students .

Learn more about f ees and finance for international students .

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships . This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.

Return to course details

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.