ENG20400 Critical Theory

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module introduces students to key theoretical debates and issues in the humanities, particularly pertaining to the study of language and literature. It demands careful reading of theoretical texts and close attention to a series of difficult concepts, but in return this module repays students’ efforts by providing an indispensable grounding in the foundational vocabularies and conceptual tools of the most exciting and progressive areas of critical and cultural studies. The module will have a special emphasis on applying the insights of critical theory to the analysis of contemporary political and ethical issues, as well as to literary and cultural texts.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Identify the key theoretical debates and issues as addressed in readings, lectures and workshops.
- Analyse the potential uses and applications of particular theoretical approaches to language, culture, representation and literature.
- Begin to formulate a sense of their own theoretical assumptions and predilections with regard to issues in the humanities, in culture and in society more broadly.
- Engage in informed class discussion about the theoretical concepts and issues introduced in the module.
- Analyze and compare theoretical texts and approaches, identify particular theoretical approaches and concepts in literary and cultural criticism and commentary, and use this theoretical toolbox to enlarge and enrich their understanding and analysis of literary and cultural texts.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

11

Small Group

9

Specified Learning Activities

36

Autonomous Student Learning

44

Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures
Workshops with guided discussion, peer and group work, case-based learning, debates, presentations
Critical writing
Creative reflection

 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ENG20600 - Critical Theory (EVENING)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Worksheet 1 - short writing exercises. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Continuous Assessment: Worksheet 2 - short writing exercises. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Assignment: Take-home Essay-Exam with choice of set questions Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

50

Continuous Assessment: A creative response to one of the theorists or texts on the module. Varies over the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

10


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Small group tutors mark the two worksheets, moderated by the module convenor, and offer individual written feedback to students. Small group tutors offer individual written feedback to students on creative reflection task. Small group leaders offer either individual or group advisory sessions to students prior to the final assignment. The module coordinator is available for individual feedback post-assessment.

Name Role
Dr Hannah Boast Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor John Brannigan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sarah Comyn Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Sharae Deckard Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Katherine Fama Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Anne Fogarty Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Anne Mulhall Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Cormac O'Brien Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Maria Stuart Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Luke Lamont Tutor
Mr John Matthews Tutor
Mr JACOB Miller Tutor
Francis Schurmann Tutor