| 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 |
Why is this unit important?
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.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Core units provide an accessible and stimulating introduction to university-level English. You will gain knowledge and insight of literary forms, from poetry and prose to critical essays and drama. You will practice essential academic skills in close analysis and argument, encounter key critical concepts, and develop your confidence as a researcher. Core units will further enable you to understand and appreciate the importance of historical contexts from the medieval period to the present day, and the development of literary studies as a discipline.
Overview of Content
This unit engages with a range of critical frameworks and methodologies to enable students to approach a breadth of sources from different theoretical perspectives. We will cover a range of mediums (such as short stories, plays, and novels) from different time periods to locate texts in their contexts of creation, dissemination and reception. We will investigate critical engagement with literary sources and explore how literary theories can equip us to approach critical issues in culture and society.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
On completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a diverse range of literary texts in different mediums and from different time periods. They will be able to apply an understanding of critical and theoretical reading to specific issues articulated in the designated literary texts.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. discriminate between different critical perspectives on the literature studied;
2. identify and present pertinent evidence to develop a cogent argument;
3. employ skills in textual analysis, argumentation, and critical interpretation, using evidence from primary texts and secondary sources;
4. illustrate familiarity with academic conventions, research practice, and standards of presentation.
The unit is taught by seminars and a lecture programme. Teaching includes group discussion, research and writing activities, and peer dialogue. Students are expected to attend all timetabled teaching, engage with the reading, and participate fully with the weekly tasks and topics. Learning will be further supported through the opportunity for individual consultation
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Contribution mark (10%)
2,000 word essay (50%) [ILOs 1-4]
Online test (40%) [ILOs 1, 4]
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
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 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.
