Concepts in Criticism

Module code: EB2060

Module co-ordinator: Dr Jonathan Taylor

The module will introduce students to a range of theoretical debates that have influenced the study of English in recent decades, covering issues such as reading and authorship, gender and sexuality, identity and selfhood, class and race, empire, nationalism, and transnationalism. The module will invite students to identify, compare, and evaluate key theoretical concepts and consider their applicability to texts of different genres and historical periods. We will examine in detail three set texts, approaching them from various theoretical perspectives. The module will enable students to make use of theoretical concepts in their interpretation of texts.

Aims

Each lecture focuses on one or two concepts and covers several theoretical perspectives on that concept. The lectures make connections between theoretical essays and one or more of the following texts: Aphra Behn, Oroonoko (1688); E. M. Forster, A Passage to India (1924); Jackie Kay, Trumpet (1999); other texts included in the 'Concepts in Criticism' e-anthology (to be posted on Blackboard). The lectures are divided into five sections, each of which deals with a different theme. Seminars will focus on the concepts introduced in lectures with close reference to both the theoretical essays and the set texts. All the essays discussed in the lectures will be available on Blackboard.

Learning

The module will be delivered through two lectures per week, a weekly seminar, and a weekly autonomous learning group. The lectures will introduce key theoretical concepts and will offer readings of the three set texts in the light of these concepts. Seminars will provide the opportunity to reflect upon and discuss the theoretical essays covered in the lectures, allowing students to develop their own interpretations of the set texts in relation to the theory. Group work for this module is compulsory. Each week, autonomous learning groups will be required to meet in advance of the seminar to discuss ideas and issues arising from the reading. A formal group work report must be submitted on a weekly basis. Group work report forms are available on Blackboard.  

By the end of the module students should be able to: 

  • Identify, define, and discuss key theoretical concepts
  • Compare and critically evaluate theoretical concepts covered on the module
  • Acquire the critical vocabulary required for the accurate application of key terms and concepts 
  • Apply literary and critical theories to the analysis of texts from a wide range of genres and historical periods 
  • Work both individually and in groups to discuss and evaluate a range of theoretical approaches to the study of literature 

Group work: Groups will meet each week to discuss questions set by their seminar tutor. The group must submit a set of responses of roughly one page of A4 (NOT in note form) for each seminar. The report must be printed on the group work report forms available on Blackboard, and should include the names of all those present at the meeting, specifying the name of the person who wrote the report. On completion, these forms should be submitted to the seminar tutor. If you cannot attend a group meeting for medical or personal reasons you should contact your seminar tutor. Students who miss group meetings without adequate explanation will not receive a mark for this exercise (worth 10% of the overall mark for the course).

Individual work: In addition to the group work project, the module will be formally assessed by two pieces of written work. The first assignment will consist of a 1,500-word essay offering a reading of one of the set texts in relation to one theoretical concept. The second assignment will consist of a 2,500-word essay offering a reading of one of the set texts, or a text of your choice, in relation to two theoretical concepts. This does not have to be a literary text: you can select from a range of genres including nonfiction prose, films, visual images, and music.

Assessment

Assessment scheme: Group work: 10%; Individual work: 90% (Assignment 1: 30%; Assignment 2: 60%)

Reading list

The reading list for this module will be available on Blackboard.  

Back to top
MENU