EN3SB-Samuel Beckett

Module Provider: English Literature
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: English Part 1
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Mark Nixon
Email: m.nixon@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module provides an opportunity to trace the literary development of one of the major writers of the twentieth century through the intensive study of a range of texts.

Aims:
This module is designed to provide students with knowledge and understanding of selected works of Samuel Beckett. It aims to promote skills of textual analysis, to explore the theoretical issues raised by the texts and to locate Beckett£s work within broader cultural contexts. Students will also be introduced to manuscript research at the Beckett Archive.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Assessable outcomes

By the end of the module students will be expected to:
£ exercise skills of close textual analysis
£ consider relationships between the texts studied, their differences and similarities
£ demonstrate an awareness of the intellectual milieu in which Beckett£s texts were produced
£ construct and express coherent critical arguments, both orally and in writing
£ show an awareness of the way in which Beckett explores the boundaries of dif ferent media

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:
Seminar discussion will focus on Beckett£s work in various genres (drama, poetry and prose) and media (theatre, radio, film and television). Set texts will be drawn from Murphy, Molloy, The Complete Dramatic Works and Beckett£s shorter prose. The module will place Beckett£s work in relation to his life and wider cultural contexts. Topics to be discussed include Beckett as a post/modernist writer, the author£s relationship with other writers such as Joyce, philosophy, psychology, embodiment, tech nology, the visual arts , genre, language, intertextuality and the various critical responses to Beckett£s work. Seminars will include an audiovisual component, and recordings of radio plays, theatrical productions and TV plays will form part of the learning experience. Students are also strongly encouraged to make use of the resources of the Beckett Archive.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Three seminar hours weekly, 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
Seminars	30		1
Tutorials	0.5
Guided independent study:	129.5		39
Total hours by term	161		40
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Two-hour examination (50%), to be sat in the Summer Term.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessed essay of 2500 words (50%), to be submitted at the end of week 11, Autumn Term.

Formative assessment methods:

Students write one formative essay, of between 1500 and 2000 words. Feedback will also be provided on the assessed essay of 2500 words, or the equivalent placement report

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 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 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: 8 April 2021