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 matters such as form, structure, voice and genre with confidence and using appropriate vocabulary. 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 intermediate-level understanding of the 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 analytical and critical vocabulary for the discussion of English literature with some level of sophistication and to demonstrate the knowledge and skills of close reading in informed discussion, both orally and in the writing of structured, lucid and informed critical essays.

(LO3) To enhance 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, irony, realism. 

1 x small-group session of 1 hour (synchronous). Small groups are normally of no more than 9 students. Face to face or online as circumstances allow.

1 x whole-cohort session of 1 hour (synchronous or asynchronous, as can be accommodated).

Tutors select their own texts to discuss in detail with students in the weekly small group sessions (tutorials). The whole cohort sessions provide wider information and demonstrations of close reading.