To foster and enhance the skills of close reading by drawing attention to what is needed to read texts attentively and to acquire appropriate vocabulary and techniques for successful close reading. consider the implications of these categories for both writing and reading literary texts. To enable students to criticise and write focused critical essays on the basis of their attentive reading,  discuss mattes such as form, structure, voice and genre with confidence and using appropriate vocabular;  To expand our understanding and appreciation of texts and to consider the implications of using categories such as genre, structure, voice and form when analysing and discussing text.

(LO1) The ability to demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles and aims of literary criticism, including offering intelligent and informed responses to a range of literary texts from a variety of periods.

(LO2) The ability to deploy an initial analytical and critical vocabulary for the discussion of English literature and to demonstrate the knowledge and skills of close reading in informed discussion, both orally and in the writing of coherent, lucid and informed critical essays.

(LO3) To develop the ability to listen attentively and garner relevant information, practice and knowledge from views presented by others.

(S1) Information skills - Critical reading

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S3) Improving own learning/performance - Self-awareness/self-analysis

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Listening skills

(S5) Time and project management - Personal organisation

(S6) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

This module covers poetry and prose written in English covering a wide period from the Middle Ages to the present day. Major genres and forms are always covered such as the sonnet, prose fiction, irony, realism, but others are also included.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Weekly lectures offer a range of close reading techniques, information on form and genre and demonstrations by various members of staff of ways of close reading
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Students will often be expected to download, read and consider extracts to be discussed in the lecture beforehand. Further material is usually made available on the appropriate Vital page or in lecture handouts.
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): 11 hr preparation reading handout

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials take the form of discussions of texts or extracts from text chosen by the tutor. Each tutor makes their own selection. Students are expected to prepare some texts or areas in advance, and to complete further reading/research afterwards to consolidate topics and ideas raised in tutorial sessions. They also write at least 3 course essays.
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: Weekly tutorials consist of groups of no more than 9 students and one tutor, who meet each week to look at passages or short texts in detail. Information gained from lectures and elsewhere is applied to texts and close reading skills and skills of literary discussion are developed.
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours (time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff): variable - students are expected to read and prepare for tutorials and complete further reading afterwards.

Teaching Method 3 - Other
Description: one to one consultations
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: All students have access to their tutor's office hours for individual feedback or advice on essays and other aspects of the module.