Blog Questionnaire

Age? 20

Sex? Male

What is your degree subject (both if joint)? English

Does ‘Being Bad’ relate well to the other modules you are taking? Yes

If so, how? And if not, why not? Because it gives us an insight into bad behaviour, many of which we see during other modules

Have you found ‘Being Bad’ too demanding, too easy, or at an appropriate level? An appropriate level

Do you think the list of topics covered on the module was appropriate? Yes, I feel the topics were all appropriate although I feel the one on Bandits could have been replaced by one more relevant to everyday life such as Alcoholism or Discrimination.

Are there any topics not included in the module that you would like to see included? As mentioned earlier alcoholism and discrimination, possibly cheating in terms of at sport or exams, swearing or bullying could also be included.

Do you think that the format for classes has worked well? Yes, the only problem being the unavoidable problem of the timing of the lectures

What did you think of the module team? I thought all were really good and thorough in opening our minds to the pros and cons of bad behaviour

Do you think it would have been better to have had more:
- Small group discussions? No, I don’t think these are helpful
- Discussion and debate among the class as a whole? Yes
- Information and talk from lecturers? I feel it was mainly the right amount but in some lectures could have been shortened for a little bit more class and lecturer discussion

The approach taken in the module is interdisciplinary (drawing on perspectives from English Literature, Film Studies, Creative Writing, Philosophy, Media Studies and Politics): do you think this a useful way of approaching the topics covered in the module? Yes, it helps to develop a range of different skills

Do you think that interdisciplinary modules are a good idea? Yes, it provides something a bit different and opens up our minds a little bit to consider different areas of a different subject

Do you think you have benefited from the interdisciplinary approach taken in the module? Yes, in a strange way I have looked at things in this module with a more relaxed attitude which has helped in focussing and forming a good opinion and view on topics discussed.

Would you like to see more modules that cover this kind of subject matter? Yes, definitely

Are you planning to take the follow-up module PH2004 ‘It Shouldn’t Be Allowed’ at level 2? Yes

Would you recommend ‘Being Bad’ to a friend? Yes

Do you think that the blogs (web logs) were a good idea? Yes, I feel it is the best way of grading a person’s progress across a longer period of time. It encourages constant revision and focus on the topics discussed and allows us to discuss all parts of the module and express our opinions. These are much better than exams as they can be ruined by a one-off difficult question or nerves and therefore not necessarily always show a persons ability or effort.

What did you think of the other assessments (e.g. would it be better to have one longer assessment rather than two shorter ones?)? No, I feel the two shorter ones were better as it was a challenge to approach two separate topics and get straight to the point in terms of meeting the shorter word counts. It encouraged us to do something different in terms of creative writing rather than an essay.

What have you learned from the module? To appreciate both sides to why people behave badly and understand why they do it while developing my opinion on these matters. Also my knowledge on these topics, drugs for example, is better.

What parts of the module have you found most useful and why? The discussions in class and learning about the bad behaviours as it helps me to develop my opinion on these matters.

What parts do you think were a waste of time and why? None really, other than maybe switching a couple of topics for more relevant ones. Maybe the Kids movie was a little pointless aswell, as it was set in America and didn’t really reflect how many STIs and teenage pregnancies occur in Britain although I did think it made a point of how easily these things happen and how many children are eager to ‘explore’ sex.

Are there any other comments you wish to make regarding ‘Being Bad’? No, just try to get a more convenient time than 6.00 on a Thursday night! :-)