| Unit name | Critical Issues |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ENGL10017 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Passey |
| 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 |
None |
| School/department | Department of English |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The aim of this unit is to build a bridge to University study by training students to respond to literary texts in more flexible, sophisticated and open-minded ways and to expand and cross-question their current literary critical practices and preconceptions. In the process, they will be introduced to some of the major theoretical and critical preoccupations informing degree-level English studies. The weekly seminar discussions will be grounded in the analysis of designated literary works, drawn from a diverse range. These works will be considered in the light of specific weekly topics, informed by further reading, so that students will examine the potential usefulness of discussing literature in the context of ideas derived from, for example, narratology, gender studies and postcolonialism. Students are encouraged to develop and defend textual responses and lines of critical reading through discussion and clear, effective communication in seminars. Seminars are accompanied by a weekly skills lecture that introduces students to key research and writing skills and supports their transition to university level study. While the unit is free-standing and has its own intrinsic rationale, the approaches it introduces will provide an important foundation for English students throughout their degree studies.
On completion of this unit, a successful student will be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a diverse range of literary texts;
2. apply an understanding of critical and theoretical reading to specific issues articulated in the designated literary texts;
3. discriminate between different critical perspectives on the literature studied;
4. identify and present pertinent evidence to develop a cogent argument;
5. demonstrate skills in textual analysis, argumentation, and critical interpretation, using evidence from primary texts and secondary sources.
6. demonstrate a sound level of competence and familiarity with academic conventions, research practice, and standards of presentation.
Teaching will involve asynchronous and synchronous elements, including long- and short-form lectures, group discussion, research and writing activities, and peer dialogue. Students are expected to engage with the reading and participate fully with the weekly tasks and topics. Learning will be further supported through the opportunity for individual consultation.
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. ENGL10017).
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 Faculty 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. 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 extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
