Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module ENGL53630: Narrative Transformations: Medieval Romance to Renaissance Epic

Department: English Studies

ENGL53630: Narrative Transformations: Medieval Romance to Renaissance Epic

Type Open Level 4 Credits 30 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • to introduce students (through a selection of texts) to the theory and practice of fiction from Antiquity to the Renaissance;
  • to explore the processes whereby some of the great story-matters of the Western Tradition have been transformed over the ceturies;

Content

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • to engage critically with a wide range of texts from different periods;
  • to have an enhanced understanding of the complex dynamics which have resulted in the dominant status of ficiton in modern culture;
  • to reflect on the interplay between various genres: epic and romance, history, fable and novel;
Subject-specific Skills:
  • to be able to analyse both the mechanics and the implementations of narrative transformations;
Key Skills:
  • to write competent essays;

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars 9 Across 2 terms 2 18
Preparation and Reading 282
Total 300

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 3000 words 50%
Essay 3000 words 50%

Formative Assessment:

One essay (2,000 words maximum).


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University