ENGL07005 2022 Literary Theory and Criticism
The Literary Theory and Criticism module introduces a range of texts and concepts associated with literature and drama, providing theoretical and philosophical perspectives to be applied in the analysis and discussion of texts in the English Studies programme, allowing for a deeper critical and theoretical understanding of the content and form of those texts. The module is taught through a course of lectures and seminars/workshops which address research resources, textual criticism, writing, research and analysis in English and Drama.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Understand the breadth of literary theory and critical approaches to English and Drama.
Show critical engagement with texts and literary theory.
Articulate key issues in literary theory and literature, prose, poetry and drama.
Demonstrate critical and creative analytical thinking and interpretive skills.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Academic writing, case studies, debate and discussion, group work, lectures, presentation, reading, research, use of Moodle as a repository, workshops.
Module Assessment Strategies
1. Creative presentation – 30%
2. Applying literary theory – 70%
Students will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the literary theories and critical approaches introduced in this module by critically analysing literary texts in a combination of formats such as formal academic essays, portfolios (or reflective diaries), and creative presentations.
MLA (Modern Language Association) style is used for documentation and referencing in all formal academic submissions.
Repeat Assessments
Students who do not successfully complete this work will resubmit for the next available sitting.
Indicative Syllabus
Understand the breadth of literary theory and critical approaches to English and Drama
The course introduces a broad range of the approaches used in literary studies. It covers the early formation of literary theory itself in Formalism and Structuralism through the development of literary theory, including such approaches as Psychoanalytic criticism, Poststructuralism, Feminist criticism and Postmodernism, up to more contemporary approaches, such as Queer theory, Postcolonial criticism, New Historicisms and Materialisms, Posthumanism, and Ecocriticism.
Show critical engagement with texts and literary theory
Students will develop their understanding and articulate key uses of literary theory in English and Drama, engaging critically with core texts and demonstrating critical and creative analytical and interpretive thinking and skills through close readings of selected critical texts via the lenses, techniques and methods of critical and literary theories.
Articulate key issues in literary theory and literature, prose, poetry and drama
The student will develop their understanding of the issues and procedures of key issues in literary theory and literature, prose, poetry and drama, including engaging critically with primary and secondary material in preparation for the work of their research project.
Demonstrate critical and creative analytical thinking and interpretive skills
The student will analyse and evaluate specific examples of research writings and practice in literary theory and critical approaches to English and Drama, including presenting on and participating in critiquing literature and producing close readings of self-selected texts from a critical perspective.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Creative presentation | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 30 % | Week 6 | 2,3,4 |
2 | Applying literary theory | Coursework Assessment | Essay | 70 % | Week 13 | 1,2,3,4 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent Learning | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Workshop / Seminar | Flat Classroom | Applying literary theory and criticism | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2006 Literary Theory and Criticism Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN 0199258368 ISBN-13 9780199258369
Edited by Patricia Waugh, this comprehensive guide to literary theory and criticism includes 39 specially commissioned chapters by an outstanding international team of academics. The volume is divided into four parts. Part One covers the key philosophical and aesthetic origins of literary theory, Part Two looks at the foundational movements and thinkers in the first half of the twentieth century, Part Three offers introductory overviews of the most important movements and thinkers in modern literary theory and Part Four looks at emergent trends and future directions.
Module Resources
Cuddon, J. A., and M. A. R. Habib. The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory: Fifth Edition. Penguin Publishing Group, 2015.
Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. Wiley, 2011.
Upstone, Sara. Literary Theory: A Complete Introduction. John Murray Press, 2017.
Waugh, P., and Oxford University Press. Literary Theory and Criticism: An Oxford Guide. Oxford University Press, 2006.
Waugh, Patricia R. Modern Literary Theory: A Reader. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2011.
Wolfreys, Julian. Literary Theories: A Reader and Guide. NYU Press, 1999.
As a 5 credit module, the total student independent effort hours for this module are 3 hours per week. As a 10 credit module, the total student independent effort hours for this module are 5 hours per week.