Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title LITERATURE, SCIENCE AND SCIENCE FICTION
Code ENGL403
Coordinator Dr SN Solnick
English
S.Solnick@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

The module aims to: Enhance students’ understanding of the relationship between literature and science. Develop students’ critical awareness of the problems and insights raised by an interdisciplinary approach to the study of literature in its scientific context. Use literature to think about science in its social and political context across different historical periods and its relationship to issues such as religion, class, climate change, artificial intelligence and genetic engineering.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) On completion of the module, students will have: the ability to demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of literary texts which engage with scientific ideas, practices and forms of writing, within their cultural context.

(LO2) The ability to engage critically with scientific texts in relation to literary contexts and ways of reading.

(LO3) The ability to demonstrate a critical understanding of debates concerning the relationship between literature and the sciences.

(LO4) The ability to put into practice advanced skills in textual analysis, critical reading, and writing.

(LO5) The ability to research, read, and think both independently and sensitively about the works studied at a more specialised level.

(LO6) The ability to evaluate and communicate effectively both their own and others’ ideas.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc referencing skills)

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

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

(S5) Information skills - Critical reading

(S6) Research skills - All Information skills

(S7) Skills in using technology - Using common applications (work processing, databases, spreadsheets etc.)

(S8) Research skills - Awareness of /commitment to academic integrity


Syllabus

 

The syllabus for this module might typically include the following authors: Jonathan Swift, Mary Shelley, Charles Darwin, H. G. Wells, Aldous Huxley, Isaac Asimov, Stanley Kubrick, Greg Bear, Margaret Atwood. [The amount of reading per week will reflect that this is a 15-credit module, with shorter texts or extracts used when necessary.] Weekly Topics may include: Science and the Enlightenment, Manufacturing Life, Evolution Time Space, Eugenics, Science and Public Culture, Literature, Science and the Archive, Ecology and Environment, The Digital, AI.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Seminar
Description: 12 x 2 hour seminars. Seminars introduce and discuss key themes and perspectives
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Independent study time should be spent reading around the subject matter (indicative reading lists will be provided), preparing for seminars (directed reading), and working towards the assessment.

Teaching Method 2 - Film screening and discussion sessions
Description: 2 x 3 hour Film screening and discussion sessions
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided

Teaching Method 3 - Small Group Learning
Description: 2 x 1 hour assessment masterclasses
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   24

      6

2

32
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 118
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Essay 1 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Semester 1.  3,000 words    75       
Essay 2 - Close reading of 'scientific' writing Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Semester 1.  1,000 words    25       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.