Four pieces of coursework at 25% each:

3 Practical criticism essays of 800-1000 words, one on each genre studied [Learning Outcomes 1-4]

1 Learning diary of 800-1000 words which includes a short report on each tutor meeting (3 during semester) and a reflective commentary on the student's development throughout this module [Learning Outcome 5]

Students will be introduced to the study of poetry, fiction, and plays. The module focuses on the development of close reading skills. Students will be introduced to some key terms for literary study (eg. metaphor, narrator, dialogue), and will complete a series of exercises in practical criticism in each of the three main genres (poetry, fiction, plays).
The module will also engage students in individual meetings with personal tutors to develop writing skills and forge good student-tutor relations. These meetings will also encourage use of Blackboard as a study aid and resource for course materials.

The module is divided into three units: 1. Reading poetry 2. Reading fiction 3. Reading plays. Each unit consists of a three week programme:

1. Introduction to key terms and techniques of close reading.
2. Practical criticism exercises (2 weeks). Tasks will be prepared individually and discussed with other students.
3. Each of the three assignments will be drafted and discussed with personal tutors; students will then revise the exercise and submit it for assessment. At the end of the module, students will complete a reflective commentary on the development of their skills of close reading and literary argument over the course of the module.

Delivery will be in weekly two hour sessions, with an additional hour timetabled for personal tutorials. Tutors will also be available for advice on assignments via email.

Library holding, VCR/DVD/OHP/Blackboard

Rob Pope, The English Studies Book (Routledge, 2002)
Studying English