EN2RER-Restoration to Revolution: 1660-1789

Module Provider: English Literature
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: English Part 1 or A-Level (A*, A or B)
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Rebecca Bullard

Email: r.bullard@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module surveys the literature and culture of the period 1660 to 1789, which is sometimes known as the 'long eighteenth century'. It explores the development of two of this period's most distinctive literary genres: satire and the novel. It considers how and why writers turned to these genres to express new and emerging ideas in the cultural sphere. Students on this module will investigate all or some of the following themes and ideas: the rise of science and the concept of Enlightenment; the birth of political parties and the partisan public sphere; slavery, human rights, and empire; the city and the country; gender and sexuality; the emergence of Gothic literature; the significance of the classical past.

Aims:

This module aims to equip students with knowledge and techniques that will enable them to analyse eighteenth-century English texts. It places a particular emphasis on the interpretation of texts within their historical, cultural, and literary contexts, and on skills of close textual analysis.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Across a range of different forms of assessment students will be expected to: - Engage in close textual analysis; - Situate texts within their particular historical, cultural, literary and generic contexts.- Analyse the interrelations between different authors and texts within the long period - Undertake independent research using high-quality physical and/or digital resources - Engage critically with ideas discussed in seminars - Construct and express coherent arguments in writing.

Additional outcomes:
Oral and written communication skills will be developed, together with critical, interpretative and analytical abilities. Students will also enhance their IT competence through the use of relevant web resources in a critically informed manner.

Outline content:

Key authors to be included in this module include John WIlmot, Earl of Rochester, Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, John Gay, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, Samuel Johnson, Aphra Behn, Horace Walpole, Clara Reeve.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
A combination of lectures and structured seminar discussion, for which students are required to do preparatory reading. Students are also entitled to a half-hour tutorial on their formative essay. With the consent of the module convenor, students may also undertake a placement, through which they will learn how to apply the knowledge and skills gained in studying for this module in a professional context outside the University.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20		1
Seminars	10
Tutorials	0.5
Practicals classes and workshops			2
Guided independent study:	129.5		37
Total hours by term	160	0	40
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	67
Written assignment including essay	33

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Examination (67%), to be sat during Summer Term. There will be pre-released paper for this assessment, which the candidates must access seven days before they sit the examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessed essay (33%), to be submitted at the end of week 11, Autumn Term.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative Assessment Methods - work which provides opportunities to improve performance (e.g. through feedback provided) but which does not necessarily always contribute towards the overall module mark: Students write one formative essay, of approximately 1500 words. Feedback will also be provided on the assessed essay of 2000 words, or the equivalent placement report.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of at least 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in August. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted in August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required set books: 2) Printing 

Last updated: 23 April 2020