ED1SE1-Subject Specialism 1: English

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: To select this as an optional module an A Level (or equivalent) in English Literature or language is required.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Mrs Scarlett Murphy
Email: s.l.e.murphy@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module will introduce you to the conventions and practices of studying English at undergraduate level, promoting independent learning and critical thinking as you adapt to the university environment. You will be introduced to a broad range of literature and explore how key texts from the past have gone on to have great significance for English language, literature and other media. The module provides the opportunity to work closely on selected texts (which will include fiction, poetry and plays) to provide you with a range of approaches for analysing and interpreting literature. It will explore typical structures, motifs and themes in key texts, as well as how and why these are used or modified by later writers.

Because the content of the programme includes both adult and children's literature, students are introduced to debates about the validity of these labels and the relationship between literature for adults and literature for children.

Aims:
£ to gain insight into a number of key texts from the past
£ to explore how key texts have shaped and influenced later writing for adults and children
£ to develop skills of critical reading
£ to develop presentation skills

Assessable learning outcomes:
On successful completion of the module, trainees will be able to:
£ describe how key texts from the past have influenced later writing
£ propose and defend personal theories on what constitutes 'adult' and 'children's' literature
£ discuss how themes, characters and ideas from adult literature are echoed in children's literature
£ analyse the use of language in literary texts
£ analyse and interpret popular and literary texts in different genres

Additional outcomes:
£ awareness of the techniques employed by writers
£ awareness of relevant aspects of language: as intending primary teachers, as students of literature and as users of language and communication.

Outline content:
The module will explore key texts from the past which have influenced and shaped later writing. These may include myths and legends from classical literature, religious texts, Shakespeare and World War 1 poetry, among others. In addition the module explores the idea of fiction for adults and children, with a variety of texts being used to explore the validity of the labels 'adult literature' and 'children's literature'.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
This module will be delivered in interactive sessions, which include lecturing, discussion and practical activities, and which will include blended learning, provided through Blackboard. Directed activities between sessions will involve independent research by individuals and groups.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	23
Tutorials	2
Guided independent study:	175
Total hours by term	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written Assignment of 2,500 words.

Formative assessment methods:
Formative assessment will be made through on-going observation of the students£ engagement with issues and positive contributions to sessions.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission during the summer resit period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  Additional costs will vary according to the choice of novels used. Students should expect to spend in the region of £40.00 in order to complete this module. 

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  Students will need to provide a printed copy of their assessment. Library printing costs are 5p for B/W page and 15p for colour page

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 July 2021