ENGL1081: Approaches to Literary Studies

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• To provide students with foundational subject knowledge for English Literature at undergraduate level
• To introduce students to the disciplinary formation of English literary studies and to key concepts and debates from its past and present
• To develop skills in reading, research, and writing that underpin the academic study of literature today

• An introduction to a range of methods, ideas, debates, concepts and critical approaches fundamental to English literary studies
• Combines conceptual and historical coverage with the development of key practical skills required by English studies
• Introduces students to the discipline of English and its historical formation, inviting reflection on issues of language, text, reading, and literary criticism

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Knowledge of foundational concepts for the study of English Literature
• Awareness of the range and variety of approaches to literary study
• Knowledge of the disciplinary formation of English Studies
• Knowledge of literary, cultural and socio-historical contexts in which literature is written, disseminated and read

Subject-specific Skills:

• Students studying this module will develop:
• critical skills in the close reading and analysis of texts
• an ability to demonstrate knowledge of a range of texts and critical approaches
• informed awareness of formal and aesthetic dimensions of literature and ability to offer cogent analysis of their workings in specific texts
• sensitivity to generic conventions and to the shaping effects on communication of historical circumstances, and to the affective power of language
• an ability to articulate and substantiate an imaginative response to literature
• an ability to articulate knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories relating to literary studies
• skills of effective communication and argument
• awareness of conventions of scholarly presentation, and bibliographic skills including accurate citation of sources and consistent use of scholarly conventions of presentation
• command of a broad range of vocabulary and an appropriate critical terminology
• awareness of literature as a medium through which values are affirmed and debated

Key Skills:

• Students studying this module will develop:
• a capacity to analyse critically
• an ability to acquire complex information of diverse kinds in a structured and systematic way involving the use of distinctive interpretative skills derived from the subject
• competence in the planning and execution of essays
• a capacity for independent thought and judgement, and ability to assess the critical ideas of others
• skills in critical reasoning
• an ability to handle information and argument in a critical manner
• information-technology skills such as word-processing and electronic data access information
• organisation and time-management skills

• Lectures: enable students to gain subject-specific knowledge of cultural, aesthetic and intellectual issues in relation to individual works and authors, an area or period, or a theoretical or language-related topic; encourage students to be aware of the range and variety of approaches to literary study; present ideas and information to encourage, on the part of students, further thought and discussion
• Tutorials: enable students to explore, in a selective way, through small-group discussion, specific texts and topics (many of which will be addressed by lectures); to focus on selected literary issues and problems; and guide them in developing subject-specific analytical skills and knowledge
• Formative essays: are written on a text or texts, or a literary topic, and they require the student to demonstrate appropriate subject-specific knowledge and skills, such as the ability to articulate knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories relating to literary study. A considerable element of choice of essay topics encourages development in students of their capacity for independent thought and judgement.
• Feedback: encourages students to reflect critically and independently on their work.
• Independent but directed reading in preparation for lectures and tutorials provides opportunity for students to enrich subject-specific knowledge and enhances their ability to develop appropriate subject-specific skills.
• Assessed Essays: tests the student's ability to present subject-specific knowledge, to select appropriate materials, and to construct and manage clear and effective arguments in a timed period; to demonstrate independent thinking, and test that students have achieved stated learning outcomes.
• Students can attend a tutors office hour if they need clarification of their written formative essay feedback. In some cases, where concerns arise, students will be actively encouraged to attend a follow up conversation.

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