What is Literature?

Code School Level Credits Semesters
ENGL4291 English 4 20 Autumn Malaysia
Code
ENGL4291
School
English
Level
4
Credits
20
Semesters
Autumn Malaysia

Summary

This 20-credit module addresses the question “What is literature?” by introducing key critical methodologies and theoretical frameworks that have been developed to study literary and dramatic texts. The principal objective is to encourage the students to use a variety of methodologies in the analysis of literary texts and to be reflexive as a literary critic. The module helps you fill confident in your ability to use different critical and theoretical frameworks to read literary texts. For this reason, the range of the module is purposely broad. Each Unit introduces a particular critical methodology or theoretical framework, and works through significant issues by examining a particular author, period or genre, ranging broadly over literatures from the fourteenth century to the present day.

Target Students

Students following MA English Language and Literature or MA English Language and Creative Writing

Classes

Assessment

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

-To introduce students to work within different approaches, developed by European theorists, to literary theory and roles and definitions of literature;-To allow students to develop their own critical analyses of literary and theoretical materials

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

-of the relationship of literature to modern culture;


-of the definitions and functions of literature and literariness in different periods;


-of the relationships between literature and other areas such as psychoanalysis, postcolonial, and so on

Intellectual skills

-the ability to engage in close and rigorous analysis of texts and arguments;


-the ability to think independently while giving due weight to the arguments of others;


-the ability to understand complex ideas and relate them to specific problems or questions

Professional skills

-the ability to articulate knowledge and understanding of literary and theoretical concepts relating to English Studies;


-the ability to write accurately and grammatically and present written material using appropriate conventions
Transferable skills


-the ability to communicate effectively in writing

 

 

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 09/01/2025.