This module introduces students to a range of critical and theoretical perspectives, providing a conceptual framework for literary study. The main aims of the module are: • To prepare students for engaging with literary texts later at level 2 (semester 2) and at level 3. • To focus on questions of authorship, representation and identity and emphasize schools of thought such as structuralism, deconstruction, psychoanalysis, and postcolonial theory. • To introduce students to subject-specific and transferable skills such as using a library, compiling bibliographies, writing academic essays, conducting debates, taking a position, making use of scholarly journals, using web pages and other electronic resources critically.
A. Demonstrate a critical understanding of one or more of the main currents in literary theory (e.g. feminism, structuralism). B. Demonstrate a capacity to apply relevant critical/theoretical terms and concepts to the study of literature. C. Demonstrate close reading and text analysis abilities. D. Demonstrate understanding of texts and/or theories by making a creative representation of a concept. E. Demonstrate understanding of texts and/or theories through written work.
The teaching sessions are divided into two components, Lectures and Tutorials/workshops. Lectures introduce relevant knowledge and ideas. Seminars facilitate reflective critical discussions about specific texts and contexts. Seminars will also provide continuous guidance on the use and abuse of generative AI in the production of coursework assessments.