ENG6302 - Authors in Depth

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of an appropriate range of writings in English by two specified authors.
Discuss and analyse a selection of texts by each author in relation to relevant personal, intellectual and cultural contexts and the literary conventions of the period.
Discuss and analyse the treatment within these texts of topics particularly relevant to the specified authors.
Write critically and sensitively on topics of their choice, drawing on a wide range of reading and showing awareness of critical debate.

Content:

This module offers students the opportunity to study the work of two authors in more detail and at greater length than the English core modules allow, drawing on the particular research interests and expertise of staff. In each semester, students will make a close study of a substantial body and range of writings by one author. They will be encouraged to examine the author’s work in relation to literary and theoretical developments and to personal, socio-cultural and historical contexts, and to explore and evaluate critical debate on the work. The two authors studied may vary from year to year and will not necessarily be from the same period; the choice of authors will be determined by staff research interests and expertise.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Weekly seminars will combine tutor guidance with analysis of texts, discussion and debate. Learning will be supported by handouts, and by preparation and reading before each seminar as directed by the tutor; and by appropriate digital resources accessible via Moodle and the library web.

Seminars
Hours: 24
Intended Group size: 25

Guided independent study
Hours: 176

Further details relating to assessment
Assessments 1 & 2: The first essay will be on the author studied in the first part of the semester; the second on the author studied in the second part. Students will be able to choose from a range of questions / tasks set for each author. Feedback on the first essay will include specific guidance for completion of the second.

Other relevant matters
The module learning is geared toward the study of a writer's life and work. The module is designed to leave the choice of specific authors open to enable the module to be taught by various staff without re-approving the module each time. In this module, it is the relevant staff who determine the choice of authors, not the students, as the module is designed to be research-led and to engage students with cutting-edge scholarship.

Assessment:

001 Essay One; 2,000 Words; Mid-Semester Two 50%
002 Essay Two; 2,000 Words; End of Semester Two 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Professor Jane De Gay
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6YL

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