2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MODL1150 Worlds of Literature

20 creditsClass Size: 80

Module manager: Jacob Blakesley
Email: j.blakesley@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Making use of examples drawn from the wide range of cultures taught in LCS, this module will challenge you to think critically about your own perceptions of literary cultures, raise your awareness of the intellectual, cultural and ethical questions in the study of literature, and introduce you to some of the concepts and approaches that will help you to negotiate the reciprocities and complexities of the interactions between literary traditions.Drawing on a wide range of languages and periods, and on the different research specialisms of lecturers, this introduction to literary criticism is illustrated by reference to a varied selection of texts studied during the year. Typically these will include short stories, drama, poetry and a novel. Weekly lectures are supplemented by fortnightly seminars, in which students will have the opportunity to discuss these different approaches and to develop a thorough understanding of literature and literary theory.

Objectives

To introduce some of the key concepts and methodologies necessary for students studying literature.
To develop students' ability to analyse, evaluate and interpret literary texts.
To develop the skills of close reading and detailed textual analysis.
To enhance students' knowledge and critical appreciation of a selection of literary texts (in English translation).
To provide a solid grounding for the study of literary modules at Levels 2 and 3.

Learning outcomes
Enhanced knowledge of the concepts, methodologies and approaches used in the study of literature.
Ability to discuss critically a variety of texts, embracing different languages, cultures, genres and periods.
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
a) understand and employ some of the key concepts used in the study of literature;
b) adopt different approaches to literature based on an understanding of a number of methodologies;
c) demonstrate an ability for close attentive reading and discussion of a variety of literary texts;
d) demonstrate an awareness of the appropriate historical and cultural backgrounds of different literary texts in a global context;
e) make meaningful contrasts and comparisons between the various texts studied

Skills outcomes
Cultural sensitivity
Critical engagement with source materials
Ability to recognise and engage with a variety of theoretical approaches.
Oral and written expression.

Syllabus

The syllabus comprises four units: Telling Stories, Representing Societies, Individual and Family, and Crossing Borders. These units will contain lectures on the following themes: reception; myth; language; genre; narratology; history; politics; postcolonialism, otherness; identity; gender; sexuality; psychoanalysis; translation; journeys, borders. The weekly lectures will be illustrated by reference to a corpus of selected texts in English translation chosen from the different languages taught in LCS. Typically these will include short stories, plays, a selection of poetry and one novel (the corpus of texts studied each year will vary according to staffing). The lectures will be complemented by fortnightly seminars in which students will discuss the concepts and texts and put the different approaches into practice.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	20	1.00	20.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			170.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Students will be expected to prepare for seminars by a) reading literary and critical texts, b) preparing pair or group presentations, c) reflecting on specific research questions, d) carrying out bibliographical research.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Informal formative feedback will be given on seminar presentations and discussions throughout the year. Students will be given the opportunity to write an unassessed practice piece in each semester, which will prepare them for the assessed assignments. Written feedback will be given to the students on both the practice pieces and on the assessed pieces. The revision session at the end of each semester will provide the opportunity to monitor the student progress before the assessed pieces of work.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	Written Assignment (1,500 words)	50.00
Essay or Dissertation	Written Assignment (1,500 words)	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 23/08/2022

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