Module: ENG4106-20 Parallel Texts

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Chris Ivic

Module Tutor Contact Details: c.ivic@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module will form the first module of the core of English teaching in Year 1. It will anticipate the further development of critical work in your Semester 2 core module, Romance and Revolution, as well as the Level 5 core modules (Structure and Subject; Equivocal Matter). Rather than attempting to introduce you to degree-level critical practice by way of a single period or genre, ENG4106 couples parallel texts in order to stimulate student response to a number of central issues in literary studies: for instance, what ‘literature’ actually is; connections between ‘literature’ and other forms of written communication, literary and non-literary; and the complex relationships between ‘literature’ and ‘history’ or ‘reality’.

The module has the following aims:

• To induct you into reading, writing and critical practices appropriate to degree-level English Studies.

• To introduce you to the seminar environment and improve your confidence and competence in oral as well as written debate.

• To stress the value of close reading of both set texts and criticism.

• To consider a range of issues and questions central to contemporary literary criticism.

• To instruct you in the correct use of academic conventions appropriate to degree-level work in English.

• To foster personal development planning and core subject skills to be continued throughout the degree.

2. Outline syllabus:

The module is divided into two pairs of set texts, each supported by supplementary critical works (‘extracts’) that will be made available to the cohort via critical editions of the texts and Minerva. Each pairing contrasts the explicit and implicit links between texts written in different historical periods, and is interspersed with essential study skills sessions.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Teaching will be by way of lectures and seminars, supplemented by individual tutorials and self-directed work.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay 1 (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay 2 (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%