Theory & Criticism

Module overview

The module asks big questions. What do we do when we interpret literature and culture, and how can we analyse our practices of interpretation? Can anything be a text, and if so what do we understand by ‘literature’? How does literature shape our identity, and does our identity shape how we read literature? Thinking about how we think about a text is dizzying but exhilarating, and crucial to the art and practice of reading and criticism. This module will introduce you to a range of thinkers who are fascinated by these questions, and encourage you to develop answers of your own. You will encounter a variety of theoretical approaches, and consider their insights and limitations. By doing so, you will develop the intellectual tools necessary to make sophisticated arguments, and discover the pleasure of becoming a self-reflexive reader and writer and a theoretically-engaged critical thinker.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include: •Lectures which construct historical outlines, and introduce theoretical positions, issues and problems; •Seminars that include presentations, close readings, and writing exercises; •Individual meetings with a tutor upon request (available twice weekly in office hours, or at other times to be arranged), especially to discuss written work before and after it is submitted. Learning activities include: •Individual reading of critical essays and further independent research; •Seminars that include short presentations, group work, and collaborative discussions; • Formative written analyses of theoretical texts, and the writing of essays. This module includes a Learning Support Hour. This is a flexible contact hour, 5 in total, designed to support and respond to the particular cohort taking the module from year to year. This hour will include (but not be limited to) activities such as language, theory and research skills classes; group work supervisions; assignment preparation and essay writing guidance; assignment consultations; feedback and feed-forward sessions.

Study time
Type	Hours
Wider reading or practice	15
Teaching	5
Seminar	11
Completion of assessment task	50
Preparation for scheduled sessions	50
Lecture	11
Follow-up work	10
Total study time	152

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

The Norton Anthology of Theory & Criticism. Norton.

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Critical commentary	40%
Essay	60%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Essay	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Assessed written tasks	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External

Module overview

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Knowledge and Understanding

Syllabus