| Unit name | Introduction to Critical Theory and Thought |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ENGL10054 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Pam Lock |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
none |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
none |
| Units you may not take alongside this one | |
| School/department | Department of English |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
This unit will offer students an introduction to critical theory and thought and will develop students’ close reading skills and foster their understanding of a range of critical approaches. There will be opportunities to compare and contrast a variety of literary forms.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit will introduce you to some key forms or genres of writing. It will also introduce a variety of approaches to reading to give you a good foundation for the rest of your studies.
An overview of content
The unit aims to give you an opportunity to enhance your close reading and critical skills, and to think reflectively about your own reading and that of others. The unit will focus these discussions on five or six literary texts, which will be read from a variety of perspectives. A range of shorter critical texts and essays will also be introduced. You should have an opportunity to acquire knowledge of the conceptual issues and challenges involved in thinking about (and through) literature, which can be employed in future units.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the unit, students will be able to:
The unit will be taught through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching over a period of week for 10 weeks; each of which will utilise a range of teaching methods including lectures by the tutor(s), formal and informal presentations by students, small group discussion, formative tasks and self-directed exercises.
How you will be assessed
The unit will be assessed through a summative assignment.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Throughout the year, you will be expected to engage in small group discussions, formative tasks and self-directed exercises. These formative tasks are optional and will help you prepare for the summative task at the end of the unit.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Essay, 2,500 words (100%) [ILOs 1-4]
When assessment does not go to plan
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period). The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within theRegulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. ENGL10054).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
