EN2BB-The Business of Books

Module Provider: English Literature
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: English Part 1 or A-Level (A*, A or B)
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Deborah Withers
Email: deborah.withers@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the book as a technology and provide the critical skills with which to consider the history and future of the book as a form. Through a combination of theoretical, methodological and hands-on teaching sessions and workshops, we will study the role and function of books in a select number of different places, historical periods, and institutional contexts, including for instance in the library, in the book shop, the publishing house, and in the board room.

Aims:
The module aims to equip students with an understanding of the history and future of the book as a technology. It introduces a range of perspectives on the £business£ of books, including concepts of authorship and production, dissemination, circulation and reception. Students will learn about the function of books in different disciplinary contexts (including business, typography, libraries, and publishers£ archives) through hands-on workshops and practical teaching sessions. Through secondary reading, personal reflection and a variety of assessment tasks they will be encouraged to engage critically and publically in debates on the past and future of the writing, publishing and reading of books.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the history and futures of the book as a technology and a form
- discuss the production, dissemination and reception of books in selected time periods and places
- show detailed knowledge of the parts and construction of the book and be able to identify key material features, paratexts, and bibliographical codes
- understand the role, function, and value of the book in a number of different contexts outside the classroom
- show awareness of some of the skills and methodologies needed in working with books in different contexts
- engage critically with the ideas presented in lectures, seminars, workshops and in secondary material

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. The summative assessment, with the production of an individual portfolio and a practical skills assessment, allows the opportunity to engage with the module creatively and in a public-facing manner.

Outline content:
Topics likely to be covered include: theoretical formulations of the history of the book; bibliographical codes (typefaces, margins, book prices, page format); the £book£ expanded (chapbooks, paperbacks, serials); making books (print and type); e-books and the future of books; authors and authorship; books in the publishing house (sales, marketing, editing); books in the book shop (displays, audiences, customers); books in the library (preservation, book-binding, cataloguing).

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

One seminar hour weekly and one weekly lecture, for which students are required to do preparatory reading. Students are also entitled to a half-hour tutorial on their formative written work. 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		10
Seminars		10
Tutorials		0.5
Practicals classes and workshops		5
Guided independent study:		132.5	42
Total hours by term	0	158	42
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	70
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Final assessment will be by an assessed presentation on a choice of topics provided, and an essay/project of c. 2,500 words drawing on the learning undertaken over the module. Written feedback will be provided on both components.

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback will  be provided on seminar contribution and performance through an individual tutorial in preparation for the component of oral/groupwork assessment. Further written feedback will be provided on the essay/creative skills assessment, or the equivalent placement report.  

Work which provides opportunities to improve performance (e.g. through feedback provided) but which does not necessarily always contribute towards the overall module mark:

Feedback will be provided on seminar contribution and the formative bibliographical essay through an individual tutorial in preparation for the component of oral assessment.

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:
A mark of at least 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in September. 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 text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 November 2021