2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MODL2070 Reception, Transmission and Translation: The Global Circulation of Literature

20 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Laura Lucia Rossi
Email: L.L.Rossi@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as a discovery module

This module is approved as a skills discovery module

Module summary

This module introduces students to the major theories of literary reception, transmission and translation, with references to examples from the wide range of cultures taught in LCS. It also explores different views of the concept of world literature, showing how the theory of literature is mutually informed by the practice, both artistic and commercial. In the second semester students will create an anthology, working in small teams, which will introduce them to the skills of drafting, revising, editing and publishing. Students choose their own topics and develop research questions that will help to prepare them for their final-year projects. Weekly lectures are supplemented by fortnightly seminars and workshops, in which students will have the opportunity to discuss these three concepts and how the theories inform their own practice.

Objectives

To introduce some of the key concepts and methodologies concerning the reception, transmission and translation of literature in a global context.

To introduce different views of the concept of world literature.

To develop students' ability to analyse, evaluate and interpret theoretical and literary texts.

To introduce students to some of the practical elements of the cultural industries by means of the creation of an anthology of short pieces as a group project.

To enhance students' knowledge and critical appreciation of how theory works in practice, through reflection on their own work in an individual project report.

To reinforce and develop the introductory knowledge of comparative literature acquired in Level 1.

To provide a solid grounding for the study of literary modules at Level 3, in particular the FYP (final-year project).

Learning outcomes
1. understand and employ some of the key concepts used in the study of literature;
2. adopt different approaches to literature based on an understanding of a number of methodologies;
3. demonstrate an ability to understand the practicalities of literary reception, transmission and translation;
4. demonstrate an awareness of the appropriate historical and cultural backgrounds of different literary texts in a global context;
5. make meaningful contrasts and comparisons between the various texts and approaches 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 is divided into two parts. The first semester introduces students to key concepts of the reception, transmission and translation of literary texts,based on the discussion of a selection of theoretical texts. The second semester focuses on the creation of an anthology by students working in small groups. The anthology will consist of the following: a co-written editorial and short individually written pieces, such as book reviews, analyses of film or music, travel writing, creative writing, translation, or encyclopaedia entries,

The weekly lectures will be complemented by fortnightly seminars in which students will discuss the concepts and texts and put the different approaches into practice. In Semester 2 the seminars become practical workshops on writing, editing and publishing.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Group Project	0	0.00	10.00
Lecture	15	1.00	15.00
Seminar	15	1.00	15.00
Private study hours			160.00
Total Contact hours			40.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

The weekly lectures in Semester 1 are required in order to present the key concepts, methodologies and themes to students in a way that will a) give them a thorough grounding in the subject and b) ask them particular research questions that will inform their preparation for seminars and for Semester 2. This will meet the following learning outcomes: enhanced knowledge of the concepts and methodologies used in the study of literature; ability to discuss critically a variety of texts, embracing different genres and periods.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will be given formative written feedback on an unassessed practice essay in Semester 1 (1000 words); the feedback will guide them in writing their assessed essay.

Students will be given formative written feedback on their draft pieces for the anthology. This will help them to revise their drafts and improve their writing.

Formative feedback will also be provided orally throughout Semester 2 in the workshops by lecturers and peers, as students present and discuss their pieces for the anthology.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2,500 word written assignment	50.00
Report	1,500 word project report	30.00
Group Project	5,000 word group project	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The written assignment at the end of Semester 1 is designed to assess the extent to which students have understood the concepts and methodologies and their employment, by requiring detailed critical analysis, the use of different theoretical approaches, and evidence of relevant research and reading. The written assignment at the end of Semester 2 (group anthology plus project report) is designed to assess the extent to which students are able to write clearly and persuasively and reflect critically on their creative practice. Formative feedback on the practice piece and on student presentations will help to prepare students for the two assessments.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 12/07/2024

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