Module ENGL1081: Approaches to Literary Studies

Department: English Studies

ENGL1081: Approaches to Literary Studies

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide students with foundational subject knowledge for English Literature at undergraduate level
• To introduce students to the disciplinary formation of English literary studies and to key concepts and debates from its past and present
• To develop skills in reading, research, and writing that underpin the academic study of literature today

Content

• An introduction to a range of methods, ideas, debates, concepts and critical approaches fundamental to English literary studies
• Combines conceptual and historical coverage with the development of key practical skills required by English studies
• Introduces students to the discipline of English and its historical formation, inviting reflection on issues of language, text, reading, and literary criticism

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of foundational concepts for the study of English Literature
• Awareness of the range and variety of approaches to literary study
• Knowledge of the disciplinary formation of English Studies
• Knowledge of literary, cultural and socio-historical contexts in which literature is written, disseminated and read

• Students studying this module will develop:
• critical skills in the close reading and analysis of texts
• an ability to demonstrate knowledge of a range of texts and critical approaches
• informed awareness of formal and aesthetic dimensions of literature and ability to offer cogent analysis of their workings in specific texts
• sensitivity to generic conventions and to the shaping effects on communication of historical circumstances, and to the affective power of language
• an ability to articulate and substantiate an imaginative response to literature
• an ability to articulate knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories relating to literary studies
• skills of effective communication and argument
• awareness of conventions of scholarly presentation, and bibliographic skills including accurate citation of sources and consistent use of scholarly conventions of presentation
• command of a broad range of vocabulary and an appropriate critical terminology
• awareness of literature as a medium through which values are affirmed and debated

• Students studying this module will develop:
• a capacity to analyse critically
• an ability to acquire complex information of diverse kinds in a structured and systematic way involving the use of distinctive interpretative skills derived from the subject
• competence in the planning and execution of essays
• a capacity for independent thought and judgement, and ability to assess the critical ideas of others
• skills in critical reasoning
• an ability to handle information and argument in a critical manner
• information-technology skills such as word-processing and electronic data access information
• organisation and time-management skills

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

• Lectures: enable students to gain subject-specific knowledge of cultural, aesthetic and intellectual issues in relation to individual works and authors, an area or period, or a theoretical or language-related topic; encourage students to be aware of the range and variety of approaches to literary study; present ideas and information to encourage, on the part of students, further thought and discussion
• Tutorials: enable students to explore, in a selective way, through small-group discussion, specific texts and topics (many of which will be addressed by lectures); to focus on selected literary issues and problems; and guide them in developing subject-specific analytical skills and knowledge
• Formative essays: are written on a text or texts, or a literary topic, and they require the student to demonstrate appropriate subject-specific knowledge and skills, such as the ability to articulate knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories relating to literary study. A considerable element of choice of essay topics encourages development in students of their capacity for independent thought and judgement.
• Feedback: encourages students to reflect critically and independently on their work.
• Independent but directed reading in preparation for lectures and tutorials provides opportunity for students to enrich subject-specific knowledge and enhances their ability to develop appropriate subject-specific skills.
• Assessed Essays: tests the student's ability to present subject-specific knowledge, to select appropriate materials, and to construct and manage clear and effective arguments in a timed period; to demonstrate independent thinking, and test that students have achieved stated learning outcomes.
• Students can attend a tutor’s office hour if they need clarification of their written formative essay feedback. In some cases, where concerns arise, students will be actively encouraged to attend a follow up conversation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

1 formative essay (c.1000 words).

■ 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