2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

ENGL5852M Language, Society and Fiction

30 creditsClass Size: 15

Module manager: Dr Kate Spowage
Email: k.s.spowage@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The module explores the representation of language in Anglophone fiction on page and screen. We discover how languages are created in fiction and investigate the effects of these voices on narrative development, characterization, and the elaboration of a fictional world. We examine the connection between the depiction of voice in fiction, social stereotypes, and real-world language, exploring the engagement with, and resistance to, language prejudice and wider social inequalities.

Objectives

The module introduces students to the way that language, especially English, is represented in fictional works. It introduces frameworks for description, interpretation and appraisal of language when used as character dialogue and (where relevant) narration (narrator voice). We compare and contrast the choices made in different fictional genres and historical periods. Students will critique the impact of these choices on the creation of fictional characters and their fictional worlds, as well as weighing up their implications of the representations for wider socio-political and cultural beliefs around language and its users.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Identify and describe techniques for the representation of language (especially varieties of English) in fictional contexts
2. Compare and appraise the choices of language representation made in different fictional works.
3. Critique how fictional works engage with, reinforce, or challenge, the social and political values of real-world language.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
4. communicate technical ideas through verbal and written modes
5. think critically about data and evidence and to produce original viewpoints and interpretations
6. collaborate with other students through class exercises and activities for the purposes of problem-solving.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Practical	1	2.00	2.00
Seminar	10	2.00	20.00
Private study hours			278.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will get feedback on an extract of close textual analysis of a passage before they undertake assessment 1. They will also have on-going opportunities for feedback in seminar and workshop discussions, and receive peer feedback at the presentation session at the end of the semester.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Presentation	Presentation 10-minute presentation with slides	40.00
Essay	Essay 3000 words	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Student presentations are pre-recorded but are played in class to allow for formative feedback between the cohort. Tutors provide summative feedback on the same presentations.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 02/08/2024

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