Embodied Cognition and Cultural Practices
Studyboard of Physical Education and Health
Teaching language: English
EKA: S450114112, S450114122
Censorship: Second examiner: Internal
Grading: Pass/Fail, 7-point grading scale
Offered in: Odense
Offered in: Summer school (autumn)
Level: Master
Course ID: S450114101
ECTS value: 5
Date of Approval: 10-01-2025
Duration: 1 semester
Course Title
Course ID
S450114101
ECTS value
5
Responsible study board
Date of Approval
Course Responsible
| Name | Department | |
|---|---|---|
| Sarah Bro Trasmundi | sarbro@sdu.dk | Institut for Kultur- og Sprogvidenskaber |
| Simon Høffding | shoeffding@health.sdu.dk | Institut for Idræt og Biomekanik |
| Susanne Ravn | SRavn@health.sdu.dk | Institut for Idræt og Biomekanik |
Teachers
| Name | Department | City | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Bro Trasmundi | sarbro@sdu.dk | Institut for Kultur- og Sprogvidenskaber | |
| Simon Høffding | shoeffding@health.sdu.dk | Institut for Idræt og Biomekanik |
Course secretary
Offered in
Level
Offered in
Duration
Aim and overall content
This course introduces students to the embodied cognition paradigm, examining its application across a variety of cultural practices including reading, dance, music, visual arts, architecture, and sports.
Background:
Cultural practices such as reading fiction, making art, and taking part in a dance performance, contribute fundamentally to human self-reflection, and connect us with our cultural heritage. Rather than supplementary activities, these practices are core to the health and well-being of both individuals and societies. The field of embodied cognitive science studies how our skillful engagement with a material environment shapes human thinking, affectivity, perception and action. Recent years have witnessed a flurry of interest in applying embodied cognition to the skills of craftspeople, artists, architects, writers, dancers and performers, investigating how engaging with these practices might be essential for human flourishing and well-being.
The course aims to equip students with knowledge of core concepts in embodied cognitive science, and how these concepts are applied to empirically investigate skills for participating in cultural practices of making art, literature, theatre and performance, music and how these practices might foster well-being and thriving.
Content and structure:
The course is divided into two main parts:
1) Foundational theories and concepts: The course begins with an overview of embodied cognition’s core theories, methods, and concepts, drawing from phenomenology, enactivism, and ecological psychology. This foundation establishes a cohesive framework to prepare students for the application of these concepts in various cultural contexts.
2) Practical analysis/application in cultural practices: Using problem-based learning approaches, students will explore how embodied cognition provides a valuable perspective in understanding the relevance of cultural practices for human flourishing and well-being. The course covers a range of skilled activities, including:
oArchitecture and Visual Arts
oHigher Cognitive Activities: Imagination in reading
oSports: Exploring concepts like skill, expertise, and thought processes in high-performance environments
oPerforming Arts: Dance and music, focusing on embodied expertise and the creative process
Through lectures and discussions, students will integrate insights from embodied cognition with discipline-specific knowledge (e.g., dance studies, music, architecture), utilizing methods such as cognitive ethnography and qualitative analysis. Students are encouraged to draw on their own professional experiences as part of the course dialogue.
On the final day, students will present a project-based analysis of a chosen cultural practice, applying embodied cognition principles in a seminar-style presentation.
For an in-depth description of how this course contributes to the overall competence profile of the programme, please see the competency matrix [Link indsættes til studiesiden indeholdende kompetenceprofilen]. Here you will see the connection between the learning objectives for each course and the competence profile of the programme.
For an in-depth description of how this course contributes to the overall competence profile of the programme, please see the competency matrix [Link indsættes til studiesiden indeholdende kompetenceprofilen]. Here you will see the connection between the learning objectives for each course and the competence profile of the programme.
Mandatory prerequisites
Relationship between the learning objectives, type of teaching and type of examination
Throughout the course, students will receive formative feedback during discussions and collaborative sessions, allowing them to refine their perspectives and analytical approaches. In preparation for the final seminar, each student will receive individual guidance from teachers, focusing on enhancing their analytical and presentation skills. Feedback (from teachers and peers, respectively) will emphasise critical engagement with the theories and practical applications, supporting students’ growth in applying embodied cognition to diverse cultural practices.
Learning Objectives - Knowledge
On completion of the course, students must / show knowledge of:
- Understanding the theoretical framework of embodied cognition
- Recognising the application of embodied cognition in analysing cultural practices such as reading, dance, sports, music, and visual arts, and how these practices contribute to human flourishing and well-being
Learning Objectives - Skills
On completion of the course, students must (be able to):
- Critically analyse theoretical and empirical research in embodied cognition
- Apply the theoretical framework to practical examples of cultural activities across various contexts
- Work collaboratively in scholarly discussions, benefiting from diverse perspectives on embodied cognition and cultural practices
- Present an analysis professionally, including responding to questions and engaging with an academic audience
Learning Objectives - Competencies
On completion of the course, students must (be able to):
- Identify areas within a cultural practice where embodied cognition can offer new insights
- Conduct analyses of selected cultural practices
- Plan, prepare, and present their findings in a professional, conference-style format
Teaching format and feedback
Teaching is organised in such a way as to support the SDU’s Underlying principle for active learning and activating teaching, as well as the Faculty of Health study’s translation of this principle - the FAIR principles.
The following forms of instruction and work may be applied in the course: Lectures, class teaching, group work, presentations, discussions, exercises, case and problem-based learning, independent studies, active participation in self-organised study groups and collaborative examination preparation, and preparation of assignments, and other study-related products.
The following forms of feedback may be applied in the course:Teacher feedback, instructor feedback, external feedback, peer feedback (one on one or group).
The activities in the course are primarily aimed at achieving learning objectives and preparing students for the form of examination. The specific forms of instruction and work as well as forms of feedback is made clear in the lesson plan on itslearning.
Number of lessons
MySchedule
Teaching language
Expected student workload in this course
5 ECTS corresponds to 137.5 hours of work, distributed as follows – an overall view:
•Class sessions: 52 hours
•Preparation: 65.5 hours
•Exam-related activities:
The working hours are distributed between the activities listed under Forms of instruction, work and feedback as well as the exam including the preparation of this.
The students' workload is expected to be distributed as follows:
- Lectures (the teacher is present): 14 hours
- Supervision: 3 hours
- Course classes: 38
- Group work (the teacher is not present): 20,5
- Asynchronous activities ( activities outside of the scheduled classes): xx hours
- Preparation: 45 hours
- Exam activities: 18 hours
Examination regulations
Learning test
Name
Learning test
Time of examination
Exam: In conjunction with teaching
Reexam: In the following quarter
Tests
Aktiv deltagelse
EKA
S450114112
Name
Aktiv deltagelse
Description
Specific information on the exam (length, assignment handover and handin and so on) is described on itslearning.
Please see Digital Exam for further information on assignments that are handed over and handed in through this system.
Form of examination
Participation
Censorship
Second examiner: Internal
Grading
Pass/Fail
Identification
Full name and SDU username
Language
English
Length
Examination aids
Not relevant for this type of test
ECTS value
1
Additional information
Considering the method of assessment and the current study level, specific emphasis will be put on the extent to which the student´s performance meets the learning objectives as well as to what extent the student masters the general competence objectives mentioned in the curriculum,
The Pass/Fail assessment reflects if the student properly understands the general and discipline specific competencies.
Re-examination
Description
Written assignment reflecting the course material.
Form of examination
Written examination
Censorship
Second examiner: Internal
Grading
Pass/Fail
Identification
Full name and SDU username
Length
Max. 10 pages of 2400 characters.
Examination aids
All aids are allowed.
Exam
Name
Exam
Time of examination
Exam: In conjuction with teaching
Reexam: The following quarter
Tests
Presentation of an independent analysis
EKA
S450114122
Name
Presentation of an independent analysis
Description
Presentation of an independent analysis on the course’s final day, evaluated on a 7-point scale. (individually or in groups – max 3 students).
Specific information on the exam (length, assignment handover and handin and so on) is described on itslearning.
Form of examination
Oral examination
Censorship
Second examiner: Internal
Grading
7-point grading scale
Identification
Full name and SDU username
Language
English
Length
Examination aids
1. All aids are allowed - including internet use.
ECTS value
4
Additional information
Considering the method of assessment and the current study level, specific emphasis will be put on the extent to which the student´s performance meets the learning objectives as well as to what extent the student masters the general competence objectives mentioned in the curriculum,
The grade will be awarded according to the extent of the fulfilment of the learning objectives as described in the Grading Scale Order (karakterbekendtgørelsen).
Several students may contribute to the assignment:
Yes, a maximum of 3 students.
Reexamination takes place in the same way as the ordinary examination, however the presentation can be done over Zoom.
Courses offered
Kassograms
Derogation from the general rules for cancellation
Cancellation of registration for this course is not permitted from the start of the semester and 21 days onwards, where cancellation is generally allowed. Therefore, registration for the course will be binding. Reference is made to the Collection of Rules for University of Southern Denmark regarding registration for course elements and exams §5, section 3-5.