ENG6914 - Literary Specialisms

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a range of texts from two specified periods of literary history.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant contexts for the study of the literature of the chosen periods.
Demonstrate understanding and appropriate research skills in handling a range of primary and secondary material relevant to the chosen periods.
Produce two coherently argued essays, supported by appropriate scholarly apparatus, making a valid contribution to critical debate on defined topics relevant to the chosen periods.

Content:

This module provides the opportunity for student-led, research-informed, study of the literature of a particular period, closely aligned to staff research expertise but facilitating the development of independent enquiry and research skills. In each semester students will be offered a choice of period-specific topics to explore, such as Medievalism, Modernism, 18th Century Writing, Postmodern Fiction, Romanticism. Within their chosen topic they will explore a range of relevant texts introduced by staff; and through this exploration they will develop their own interests and research questions, in consultation with staff and through seminar discussions, leading to the production of an appropriately researched critical essay on an aspect of the period or topic.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will be delivered in the form of two lecturer presentations at the start of each semester, each setting out one topic and its key features, together with a reading list of primary and secondary sources. Students will then choose which topic to focus on, and they will then work with the member of staff who introduced the topic, and the other students choosing the topic, in seminars and individual consultations during the semester. Their learning will be supported with handouts and materials on Moodle. Over the course of the year, they will produce two essays developing their own focus on their chosen literary specialisms.

Lectures
2 x 2 hours at start of each Semester)
Hours: 8
Intended Group Size: 20

Seminars
8 x 2 hours in each Semester
Hours: 32
Intended Group Size: 10

Guided independent study
Hours: 360

Further details relating to assessment
Students will have the opportunity for formative feedback in seminar presentations. There will be no marks attached to this and there will be no penalty for non-participation, although students will be strongly advised that failure to engage in the process may lead to disappointing results.

Assessment:

001 Essay 1; 4,000 words; end of semester 1 50%
002 Essay 2; 4,000 words; end of semester 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Richard Storer
Level - 6
Credit Value - 40
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6YL6S1

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