Tertiary Navigation

Ways of Reading

As well as introducing you to the study of English at University, this double module provides you with the opportunity to develop skills such as reading critically and communicating clearly. You’ll be introduced to a wide range of terms and topics and develop a familiarity with the subject that will form a strong foundation for subsequent modules. Reflective, critical and essay-writing skills will be further developed throughout this module.

What does the module cover?

Initially, you’ll gain an overview of the degree structure and an examination of some key critical terms, problems and approaches that concern students of English, including, for example: the literary canon and value; genre; the production of meaning; relationships between literature, history and the world; selected approaches to literature, including formalist, new historicist, feminist, postcolonial and queer criticism, and relationships between literature and identity. These topics are explored through a selection of critical texts included in the module Study Guide and short extracts from plays, novels, short stories and poems (extracts provided). 
Subsequently, you will develop your ideas and skills through additional critical reading and detailed application of ideas to selected literary texts. Topics include referencing and bibliographies; appropriate register, tone and vocabulary; work on clarity, the construction of coherent arguments and the substantiation of points by evidence. You will also receive further guidance on writing essays and presenting work.

Key Topics

  • Theories and questions of literary value and literary canons
  • Genre
  • The production of meaning, especially the relationship between authors, texts and readers
  • Relationships between literature, history and the world
  • Selected critical approaches which might, for example, include: formalist, new historicist, feminist, postcolonial and queer criticism
  • Relationships between literature and identity, especially with respect to gender, sexuality and ethnicity
  • Essay writing skills
  • Presentation skills

Prerequisites

None

Number of credits and study time

30 credits, equivalent to 300 hours of study

Assessment

Assessment for this module will comprise one or more tasks, which will take the form of an exam and/ or coursework  (essay, report or presentation).