MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
Instructions:
1. If the module is part of a programme of study in a University department, please
complete sections 1 and 2.
2. If the module is part of a programme of study in an Associate College, please
complete Sections 1 and 3.
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1. The title of the module Literary Theory
2. The Department which will be responsible for management of the module English
3. The Start Date of the Module October 2008
4. The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable 2008 intake
5. The number of students expected to take the module 10+
6. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with
other relevant Departments and Faculties regarding the withdrawal none
7. The level of the module (eg Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
M
8. The number of credits which the module represents 30
9. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern) Autumn
10. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules: none
11. The programmes of study to which the module contributes MA in English and other MAs
offered by the School of English
12. The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes students will
1. Gain an understanding of some of some recent strands of literary theory and their
associated reading practices.
2. Develop a knowledge of the ways in which such theories compete with and
complement each other
3. Explore such key concepts as deconstruction, critique, rhetoric, language, discourse,
ideology, the subject, gender, and identity.
4. Consider the complex processes by which concepts, terms, topics, themes and
procedures from French and German philosophy have been adapted to the subject
area of English Literature
5. Acquire an understanding of, and competence in handling, the analytic tools and
vocabularies which are the substance of modern literary-theoretical thought.
13. The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme
learning outcomes students will gain
1. An ability read a range of literary-theoretical material genres and assess the
relationship among a variety of intellectual frameworks
2. Development of the skills necessary for participating in group discussions and giving
oral presentations.
3. Capacity for self-directed research and the ability to critically evaluate and creatively
deploy recent theoretical perspectives.
4. An ability to construct original, innovative and complex arguments.
14. A synopsis of the curriculum The curriculum will include a range of texts which are
currently used in the field of literary studies to provide an intellectual framework for reading
and analysis. These types of text are essential for higher level study of literature and are part
of a shifting common currency within the discipline. The typical reading on the module will
include some of the most influential texts of literary and cultural theory by figures such as
Derrida, Foucault, Cixous, Adorno, Benjamin and Lyotard. As well as these canonical writers of
theory, the module will also look at theoretical and methodological debates within the subject
area around topics such as historicism and American Indian literary theory.
15. Indicative Reading List
Excerpts from works such as:
Adorno, Aesthetic Theory
Badiou, Beckett
Benjamin, Charles Baudelaire
Cixous and Derrida, Voiles
De Man, Allegories of Reading
Derrida, Glas
Foucault, History of Sexuality
Heidegger, Poetry, Language, Thought
Kristeva, Revolution in Poetic Language
Lyotard, Discours, Figure
Weaver et al., American Indian Literary Nationalism
White, Tropics of Discourse
[photocopies supplied where necessary]
16. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the
total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of
the intended learning outcomes:
The module will be taught over ten weeks, with two hours contact each week. The total study
hours will be 300. There will be 18 hours of personal study per week.
17. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning
outcomes
Students will be assessed on a single piece of written work up to 5-6,000 words presented at
the conclusion of the module on a topic agreed with the seminar teaching staff, normally
focusing on a key theoretical issue addressed on the module. In preparation for this, students
will be invited to discuss their proposals with the module supervisor, who will advise them on
appropriate specific reading. The assignment will be second marked by another member of the
MA programme.
18. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
This module draws on existing resources. There will be some minor new library purchases out of the regular
budget. May be joint taught (teachers include Ayers, Wood, and others)
19. A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning
and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable
disadvantage to students with disabilities
As far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and
forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with
disabilities
If the module is part of a programme in an Associate College, please complete the following:
20. Associate College: NA
21. University Department (for cognate programmes) or Faculty (for non-cognate programmes)
responsible for the programme:NA
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the
above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of
module proposals"
................................................................
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Director of Learning and Teaching
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of Department: "I confirm that the Department has approved the
introduction of the module and, where the module is proposed by Departmental staff, will be
responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of Department
Date
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN AN ASSOCIATE COLLEGE
(Where the module is proposed by an Associate College)
Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College: "I confirm that the College has approved
the introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
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Nominated Responsible Officer of the Associate
Date
College
………………………………………………….
Print Name
…………………………………………………..
Post
…………………………………………………….
Associate College