What will I learn on this module?
Popular culture has been defined in the following way: ‘it consists of the aspects of attitudes, behaviours, beliefs, customs, and tastes that define the people of any society. Popular culture is, in the historic use of term, the culture of the people.’
Ray Browne ‘Folklore to Populore’.
Popular culture (documentaries and fictional television series, film, magazines, graphic novels, music, theatre, song, art shows, podcasts, radio etc.,) is a key cause for students to wish to enter the legal profession. Indeed, many students who study law for the first time at university have been schooled in what they know about the law by such media. In this sense, students are already well versed in the subject of this module. They are, in fact, often expert in the ways that portrayals of law and particularly criminal justice have saturated our consciousness.
Given that popular culture has such an influence on the public perception of law, indeed, continues to shape our perception of it, its study is fully justified. Although it has a contemporary feel, the study of popular culture – born of the growth of mass society and the drive to satisfy its needs – can be traced to the 18th century when it was accepted as a feature of developing civilisation. It should be noted too, that over time that perception became negative – ‘mass culture’ came inevitably to mean low culture with associations of commercial manipulation, exploitation and supplication.
Two mileposts in the study of popular culture within universities was the launch of the first (often highly academic) journal on the discipline, the Journal of Popular Culture in 1967. This was followed by the creation of the Center for Popular Culture at Bowling Green University in the US in 1969 with its stated aim: ‘to study thoroughly and seriously those productions, both artistic and commercial, designed for mass consumption. The founders were convinced that this vast body of material encompassed in print, film, television, comics, advertising, and graphics reflects the values, convictions, and patterns of thought and feeling generally dispersed and approved by American society. The organization has grown in scope, depth, and influence.’
Programme of the Twelfth Annual Convention of the Popular Culture Association, Louisville, Kentucky, April 14-18, 1982, p.2.
One question that will pervade our studies is how and why popular culture may be said to construct “narratives” or stories about the law. In pursuit of this and other questions, we will consider critical legal theory, critical race theory, feminist theory, political science and cultural studies to help understand the relationship between law and popular culture.
Through a variety of carefully chosen texts (mainly film and tv but also the written word etc.,) you will find new ways to think about how law and the institutions of law have been presented through and challenged by popular culture and what the implications of this may be – we will also consider the regressive nature of popular culture as a threat to established social norms. Applying these ideas, you will be encouraged at all stages to reflect on your own relationship with the legal system, its function within our society and the values and attributes of the profession.
Upon completion of his module you will be able to show the following (level 5 learning outcomes):
1) A knowledge and critical understanding of the theories, concepts and arguments that have emerged from scholarship in law and popular culture and an ability to analyse and apply them to appropriate texts and in your thinking about law more generally (knowledge PLO 1)
2) An ability to effectively organise and communicate regarding legal theories and literary material orally and in writing (intellectual skills PLO 1)
3) An awareness of the principles, values and ethics of law and legal practice (personal values PLO1)
4) Intellectual independence and an ability to ask cogent questions about law and its underlying justifications (personal values PLO 2)
5) An ability to develop independent thinking skills and curiosity about the ideas that inform law, and recognition of the need to challenge your own and others’ thinking (personal values PLO 3)
How will I learn on this module?
This 20 credit module will involve 200 hours of notional learning.
Teaching will be delivered via a combination of:
12 x 1 hour large group sessions
6 x 2 hour small group seminar-type sessions.
Total = 24 hours of face-to-face teaching.
You will learn through face-to-face teaching and independent learning. The module employs lectures and seminar sessions. Lectures will provide an introduction to and investigation of texts (broadly conceived) and to the theories advanced by scholars working in law and popular culture. You will be required to reflect on and challenge your assumptions about the nature and the role of law as it is presented through popular culture.
The seminars focus on discussion of materials you will have prepared for in advance and also group activities. On occasion, additional materials will be provided in session. You will have set texts for some sessions, in others you will be able to choose a text to discuss.
As above, you will engage in tutor guided independent learning (TGIL) in your preparation for teaching sessions. You will be provided with lecture handouts, seminar materials and electronic reading lists and supplementary materials via the eLP. You will prepare for teaching sessions by undertaking the recommended reading and preparation in advance: some of this involves group work. TGIL will take account for 120 hours during the module.
Feedback on summative assessment will take the following forms:
• Completion of a written comments sheet for your essay, including ‘feed forward’ comments
• Use of assessment criteria marking grid
• Creation of an outline answer & general points to note document for you to access
• Opportunity to discuss your assessment performance with tutor in feedback week
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Support on the module will primarily be through discussion with tutor during workshops and seminar sessions. Further comment will be provided on the eLP with summary sheets at certain key points placed on the eLP. You will obtain ongoing and valuable feedback on your understanding and preparation from tutors across the 6 seminar sessions.
In addition to this academic support in sessions and via the eLP(outlined above) you will obtain formative feedback in the following ways:
• You will undertake a number of core statements written exercises: short written pieces on which the tutor will provide feedback.
• A coursework guidance lecture with Q & A
• A one-to-one session with the tutor to discuss your choice of assessment topic and text
• You will have access to the tutor outside of sessions to discuss module-related and assessment issues
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• A knowledge and critical understanding of the theories, concepts and arguments that have emerged from scholarship in law and popular culture and an ability to analyse and apply them to appropriate texts and in your thinking about law more generally.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• An ability to effectively organise and communicate regarding legal theories and literary material orally and in writing
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• An awareness of the principles, values and ethics of law and legal practice.
• Intellectual independence and an ability to ask cogent questions about law and its underlying justifications.
• An ability to develop independent thinking skills and curiosity about the ideas that inform law, and recognition of the need to challenge your own and others’ thinking
How will I be assessed?
You will obtain formative feedback in the following ways:
• You will undertake a number of core statements written exercises: short written pieces on which the tutor will provide feedback.
• A coursework guidance lecture with Q & A
• A one-to-one session with the tutor to discuss your choice of assessment topic and text
• You will have access to the tutor outside of sessions to discuss module-related and assessment issues
Feedback on summative assessment will take the following forms:
• Completion of a written comments sheet for your essay, including ‘feed forward’ comments
• Use of assessment criteria marking grid
• Creation of an outline answer & general points to note document for you to access
• Opportunity to discuss your assessment performance with tutor in feedback week
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Popular culture – by its very definition – is that part of culture that surrounds us in the everyday. Often ephemeral in nature and fast to change, PC can seem of marginal value – certainly to the academic study of law. However, recognising its pervasive power (a power that extends to our perception of law) in shaping our understanding of the world (norms, standards, beliefs) makes its study a necessity. The study of popular culture (in our case especially film and TV) will allow us to think about law in different and revealing ways to consider how for example how our understanding of morality, justice, punishment and legal process are formed by the everyday flows of entertainment and information. Through guided discussion of a wide variety of materials you will be encouraged to think critically, to challenge your assumptions about the law, to broaden your understanding of how law as part of the social order and to actively reflect on your own identity as a student and future lawyer. You will be encouraged to introduce and discuss works you feel are relevant and will be able to choose a text as the focus for your assessment
Course info
UCAS Code M102
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Northumbria Law School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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