EN1TPW: Theories and Practice of Writing

Module code: EN1TPW

Module provider: English Literature; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Paddy Bullard, email: p.s.bullard@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The module explores some of the key concepts that shape our understanding of literature, both from the perspective of composition and of critical work. We will look at the ways that writers are connected to others involved in the production of texts: with other authors, with editors and publishers, and with those who produce scholarly and analytic work on literary texts. The module is assessed by a portfolio of written work in critical and in creative modes. All written work facilitates reflection on the topics discussed and prepares students for the many kinds of writing that they will practice during their degree.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Apply discipline-specific practices of close reading, interpretative analysis and critical argument
2. Articulate their own and other people’s ideas concisely, accurately, and clearly
3. Demonstrate personal commitment, intercultural competence, and international engagement in public discourse
4. Value personal, social, civic, and global perspectives, looking beyond any immediate task or question to its wider contexts

Module content

We will look at texts in a range of genres (poetry, non-fiction prose, prose fiction, and drama). These texts will be discussed in class alongside works of literary theory and criticism relevant to the topic under discussion. Topics discussed with include: narrative personae and subjectivity, literary influences and originality, writing in the public sphere and politics, and adaptation and the use of literary conventions. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures will introduce topics and explain approaches to the critical and theoretical texts considered. Seminars will offer the opportunity for further discussion in a small group setting. Workshops will be dedicated to supporting students preparing written work for assessment. Screencasts will offer background and contextual information to support lecture materials and seminar discussions. 

Study hours

At least 22 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

One 500-word analysis of a piece of prose set by the convenor. Workshops in semester two will support students preparing written work for assessments.

Reassessment

Additional costs