SEL1004 : Introduction to Literary Studies II
- Offered for Year: 2021/22
- Module Leader(s): Dr Kate De Rycker
- Owning School: English Lit, Language & Linguistics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
This module provides an introduction to the literary history of the medieval period (c.700-1500) the Renaissance (c.1500-1680), and the 'long eighteenth century' (c.1680-1830) and gives students an opportunity to conduct independent research into a historical text of their choice. We will consider how literary forms, genres, and technologies evolve; how literary canons, anthologies, and survey courses are created and argued over right up till today; and how modern literary critics continue to explore contemporary concerns through new ways of looking at older historical texts. This module will help students practise the skills that they will need throughout their degree (e.g. oral presentation, peer review, academic writing) as well as discovering areas of research specialism within the school that they can go on to master later in their degree (e.g. scholarly editing, digital humanities). Ultimately this module aims to give students the confidence to conduct independent research, and to deal confidently in the criticism of literary texts and cultures.
Outline Of Syllabus
The specific texts taught on this module are subject to change due to variation in the team of lecturers who teach on this course. Students will be told in December which texts they'll definitely be studying. We will be focusing on one key primary text per historical period, and three additional co-texts which allow students to develop deeper knowledge about these key texts, their controversies, and their context. Having gained a grounding in early period texts, students will then be able to direct their own study by producing a scholarly edition of a chosen excerpt, with the help of specialists in the field.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 67:00 | 67:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Film screening |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 11 | 8:00 | 88:00 | Seminar and lecture preparation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Workshops relating to students final project |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will introduce the students to key literary texts, concepts, and critical paradigms used on the course. Seminars will be used to practice the skills outcomes outlined above. There will be a screening of a play. Study groups provide students with the opportunity to conduct further research into literary history and to discuss their learning. After the Easter break students will be taught scholarly editing skills for their research project. Seminars and study groups will be used for oral presentation of concept, peer review, and assessment preparation.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 50 | 2,000 word essay |
| Portfolio | 2 | A | 50 | 2,000 word 'edition' including: headnote and annotation to a self selected text. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
This module supports students in developing written argument and refining their research skills.
Their first assessment of an essay allows students to demonstrate their ability to create their own argument based on their close reading of literary texts, supported with secondary criticism and/or historical evidence.
For their second assessment, students will prepare their own 'edition' of a self-selected text. This will include a headnote making a case for the literary or cultural value of their chosen text, and an annotated extract from the text.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL1004's Timetable