LL320
June 2009
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s
Module Description
Title
Code
Level
Credit rating
Pre-requisites / Corequisites / Entry criteria
for freestanding modules
Type of module (Taught,
Independent study,
Supervised study, Workrelated or placement)
Aims
Text, Theory, Culture
LL320
3
20
Ist year Literature, Criticism, Theory module
Learning outcomes
In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for 3 study, by the
end of the module students should be able to:
Taught
The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and they relate to
the SEEC level descriptors for level 3 study.
 to enable students to define their own theoretical position ;
 to facilitate students in identifying the range of critical
positions they may encounter in level 3 work;
 to give students the key concepts and vocabulary used in
contemporary critical theory ;
 to equip students with a theoretical grasp on current critical
debates relevant to third level study;
 to develop students critical and research skills.
1. demonstrate a working knowledge and critical understanding
of a range of concepts in contemporary critical theory;
2. apply at least two critical methodologies to a range of
different texts;
3. identify and assess the critical positions of the critical texts
used on the module;
4. demonstrate a familiarity with the language employed in
current literary critical thinking;
5. undertake independent research and to apply knowledge
gained on the module to their own project.
Content
This module aims to read, debate and discuss contemporary literary
and cultural theory with the aim of enabling students to engage in
theoretical and methodological debate in independent research both
on this module and in other academic and professional work.
LL320
June 2009
Learning and teaching
strategies
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Contact Time:
Close textual reading
All-class discussions in seminars
Practical workshops
Tutor-led mini-lectures
Tutorials
Non-contact Time:
Assigned reading
Preparation of points for debate
Learning support
(ensure that all resources,
including electronic
sources, are fully
referenced, and indicate the
date last accessed for all
electronic sources)
Books:
Barry, P. (2002) Beginning Theory, Manchester: Manchester
University Press.
Barthes, R. (1994) Image, Music Text, London: Fontana.
Belsey, C. (1994) Critical Practice, London: Methuen.
Eagleton, M. (1994) Feminist Literary Theory: A Reader, Oxford:
Blackwell.
Eagleton, T. (1996) Literary Theory, Oxford: Blackwell Books .
Eagleton, T. (1984) The Function of Criticism , Oxford: Blackwell.
Easthope and McGowan, ed. (1992) A Critical and Cultural Theory
Reader , Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Freud, A. ed. (1986)The Essentials of Psychoanalysis,
Harmondsworth: Penguin.
Harari, J. ed. (1984) Textual Strategies: Perspectives in PostStructuralist Criticism, London: Methuen.
Hawkes, T. (1980) Structuralism and Semiotics,London: Methuen.
Moi, T. (1986) Sexual/Textual Politics, London: Methuen,.
Rivkin, J. and Ryan, M.ed. (2004) 2nd ed. Literary Theory: An
Anthology, Oxford: Blackwell.
Said, E. (1993) Culture and Imperialism, London: Chatto & Windus,
Journals:
Textual Practice, New Formations Journal of Postcolonial Theory
Women: A Cultural Review
Electronic Sources:
(accessed 1.5.09)
http://vos.ucsb.edu/browse.asp?id=3
http://www.library.yale.edu/rsc/complit/diss.html
www.booksunlimited.co.uk
Other:
DVDs of interviews with prominent figures in the field
LL320
June 2009
Assessment task
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Assessment will be in the context of the University of Brighton
Assessment Policy and the Faculty Code of Practice in
Assessment, and students will be required to complete the following
tasks:
A coursework file consisting of:
Task1 (30%): two short exercises (LO3, LO4)
Task 2 (70%): 3000 word essay relating to the aims of the module,
and negotiated with the tutor ( LO1, LO2, LO5)
Referral tasks: re-working of original tasks
Each task will be marked on a percentage basis
Assessment criteria
General criteria for assessment are framed by the SEEC descriptors
(link to Learning Outcomes)
for level 3. Against specific criteria, credit will be awarded for:





ability to demonstrate their critical understanding of and
familiarity with debates (LO1):
ability to apply a theoretical understanding (LO2)
ability to contextualise a theoretical position. (LO3);
ability to undertake independent research (LO4);
ability to apply knowledge gained with confidence and
precision (LO5).
All learning outcomes must be achieved in order to pass the module
at the threshold level.
Brief description of
module content and/or
aims for publicity
This module is designed to enable students to define their own
theoretical position and to help them in identifying the critical
positions they will encounter in their research for level 3 modules,
including the dissertation. It sets out to give students the key
concepts and vocabulary used in contemporary critical theory and
equips students with the theoretical grasp that they will need for
third level and independent study.
Area examination board
Module co-ordinator
Normal module duration
(e.g. one or two semesters)
Site where delivered
Date of first approval
Date of last revision
Date of approval of this
version
Version number
English Literature AEB
Professor Deborah Philips
One semester
Falmer
June 2009
N/A
June 2009
1
LL320
June 2009
Replacement for previous
module
Route(s) for which
module is acceptable and
status in Route
(Mandatory, Compulsory or
Optional)
Course(s) for which
module is acceptable and
status in course
(Mandatory, Compulsory or
Optional)
School home
External examiner(s)
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N/A
BA (Hons) English Literature (optional)
BA (Hons) English Language and Literature (optional)
BA (Hons) Sociology and English Literature (optional)
BA (Hons) English Literature (optional)
BA (Hons) English Language and Literature (optional)
BA (Hons) Sociology and English Literature (optional)
Humanities
Andrew Maunder