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EL1536: RETHINKING READING (2017-2018)

Last modified: 25 May 2018 11:16


Course Overview

Rethinking Reading invites you to consider what we do when we study literature. What shapes the idea of literature as we know it? How, and why, might we want to change the ways in which we think about texts? Who gets to decide, and why does it matter? Alongside these questions, we will explore a variety of approaches currently in use within literary studies.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Elizabeth Elliott

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Either Programme Level 1 or Programme Level 2

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

'Rethinking Reading' invites students to think amore deeply about the nature and value of what we think of as 'literary texts' worthy of study at university. Alongside the course 'Acts of Reading', which focuses on the role of the reader in generating literary effect and meaning, this course will raise key theoretical questions about the kinds of texts that we might find ourselves studying as an act of reading: what shapes the idea of literature as we know it? How, and why might we want to change the way we think about literature? Who gets to decide what counts as 'literature', and why does it matter? This course aims to introduce students to concepts and theoretical debates through topics including sexuality, race, canonicity, and gender. It will develop students' ability to reflect on foundational critical questions, offering a basis for understanding some of the main theoretical approaches and current methodologies informing the study of literature.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt: 1x 2000 word essay (80%), Course journal (online) (10%) Tutorial Assessment Mark (10%) 

Resit: 1 x 2000 word take home exam essay.

Formative Assessment

Draft Essay Plan

Feedback

Students will receive prompt oral feedback in seminars, and will receive formal written feedback on essays within three weeks of submission.

Course Learning Outcomes

    • Show contextual understanding of a range of critical approaches to literary study.
    • Analyse texts from different periods and in different genres.
    • Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and at an appropriate intellectual standard both orally and in writing.
    • Demonstrate understanding of key critical questions in literary studies, both orally and in writing.
    • Reflect upon their own learning process in relation to prescribed texts and topics.

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