ENG32050 Reading Joyce

Academic Year 2020/2021

This seminar is both an introduction and a comprehensive survey of Joyce’s oeuvre. We will explore the proposition that all of Joyce’s books together constitute one integral and coherent work. With close readings of the text, the seminar will focus on consistent themes and issues in 'Dubliners', 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man', 'Ulysses', and 'Finnegans Wake'; such as: the relationship between an ostensibly realistic surface narrative and its symbolic form, as well as the foundational role of language in history, politics, society, and art.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate both orally and in writing an overarching understanding of James Joyce's major works.

Students should be able demonstrate the various ways in which each of his works is an extension and elaboration of his previous works.

Students should be able to by identify and articulate with clarity, precision, and depth the core course concepts, motifs, and themes.

Students should be able to perform close-readings of texts leading to nuanced critical analysis.

Students should be able to critically engage in class discussion on a variety of topics in Joyce studies.

Students should develop confidence in primary and secondary research skills on a topic in Joyce studies.

Students should be able to situate Joyce's works as part of the broader Modernist movement.

Indicative Module Content:

This seminar is both an introduction and a comprehensive survey of Joyce's oeuvre. We will explore the proposition that all of Joyce's books together constitute one integral and coherent work. With close readings of the text, the seminar will focus on consistent themes and issues in Dubliners, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Ulysses and Finnegans Wake; such as: the relationship between an ostensibly realistic surface narrative and its symbolic form as well as the foundational role of language in history, politics, society and art.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate both orally and in writing an overarching understanding of James Joyce's major works and be able demonstrate the various ways in which each of his works is an extension and elaboration of his previous works. Students should also develop confidence in primary and secondary research skills on a topic in Joyce studies and be able to situate Joyce's works as part of the broader Modernist movement.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

75

Small Group

50

Conversation Class

50

Autonomous Student Learning

75

Total

250

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is structured around lectures and enquiry and problem-based learning, including critical writing, peer and group work, and critically-engaged class discussion. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ENG30520 - Reading Ulysses


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Weekly discussion board threads and 3 response papers (500-words minimum each) in answer to the pre-assigned questions that will form the basis of class discussion and final essay. Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes

40

Essay: The final essay assignment is a 3,000-word essay analysing a theme, issue, symbol, concept, or another relevant topic in at least three of Joyce’s works. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded Yes

60


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Written and oral feedback will be provided on all written assignments prior to and post submission; this will clearly indicate strengths and weaknesses prior to the final essay. Group/class feedback will further support the continuous assessment process. Post final essay feedback will also be provided.

James joyce, 'Dubliners', edited by Jeri Johnson. Oxford UP, 2000. Alternative text available online here: https://joyce-dubliners.netlify.app/.
James joyce, 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man', edited by Jeri Johnson. Oxford UP, 2000. Alternative text available online here: https://joyce-portrait.netlify.app/.
James joyce, 'Ulysses', edited by Hans Walter Gabler. The Bodley Head, 1993, reprinted 2008. (The edition must have line numbers in the right margin.) Available online here: https://ulysses-tei.netlify.app/.