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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the public value of literature as part of the creative industry sector.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of cultural debates about the public roles and values of literature.
Critically deploy appropriate concepts and theories in the analysis of selected topics.
Present findings clearly and persuasively, using appropriate methods and communications technologies.
This module explores in sociological terms the relationship between literature and contemporary culture. The module considers literature as understood through various public perspectives, such as those of school curricula (period-based literature; literature as a guide to social and personal issues, and contemporary literature); of film and TV adaptation; of literary prizes and festivals; of book clubs; of censorship and the law, and of commercial categories (young adult fiction; thrillers; romance; literary fiction; poetry).
The module will offer a list of areas for study and students will be encouraged to define their own manner and means of exploring one of those topics. There will be scope for coverage outside the suggested topics, but the criteria for these will be that the proposed topics must focus on the study of the social aspect of literature, rather than analysis of specific texts.
Relevant employer input will be sought in the development of the projects and in developing guidance on appropriate negotiated assessment formats.
For the first assessment, the focus will be on the student selection of topic and development of their idea through additional research. Sessions will outline basic theories for analysing the social impact of the arts; demonstrate and explore sample topics, and provide support for students to develop their own bespoke topic. For the second assessment, the focus will be both on the further development of the idea, in the light of feedback from the first assessment, and on matching the topic with an appropriate negotiated assessment format for reporting the findings. Formative guidance and support will be offered in the construction of both assignments.
Lectures
Hours:10
Intended Group Size: 25
Workshops
Hours: 20
Intended Group Size: 25
Guided independent study
Hours: 170
Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1 - report: the report identifies and critically studies the selected topic in the sociology of literature. Critical attention to the instantiation of these themes and topics in particular works is emphasised.
Assessment 2 - negotiated assessment format: the focus is on the ability to develop an idea and evaluate it through detailed attention to works specifically selected to test that idea.
001 Report; 2,000 word equivalent; Mid-Semester Two 50%
002 Negotiated Assessment Format; 2,000 word equivalent; End of Semester Two 50%
Module Coordinator - Katie Lister
Level - 5
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 5S2
