ENG20400 Critical Theory

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module introduces students to the 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 contemporary critical and cultural studies. The module will have a special emphasis on applying the conceptual insights of critical theories to analysis of contemporary political and ethical issues and to interpretation of ideological discourses in contemporary media, culture and literature.

The module is taught through weekly lectures and through smaller workshop classes, where students will focus on using critical concepts and frameworks to understand and unpack contemporary 'case studies' taken from current political, literary and/or cultural issues.

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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.
- Demonstrate ability to use critical concepts and theoretical reading to unpack and understand political, social and cultural issues and ideological discourses.
- 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

12

Small Group

9

Specified Learning Activities

36

Autonomous Student Learning

43

Total

100

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

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

60

Continuous Assessment: Short writing exercises (worksheets) submitted during the semester and revised for a final portfolio. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Continuous Assessment: A creative response to one of the theorists or texts on the module. Week 8 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?

Class feedback is given by the module coordinator to the whole module group after each of the worksheet submissions (in lecture and online). Students then have the opportunity to revise their worksheets before submitting their final (summative) worksheet portfolio for grading. This may involve elements of self-assessment or peer review. Small group leaders offer individual feedback to students after the submission and grading of the worksheet portfolio and the creative response task. Small group leaders offer either individual or group advisory sessions to students prior to the seen exam. 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
Francis Schurmann Tutor