University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: 11.00 am - 1.00 pm Fri

This module is designed to guide students through some fundamental questions in literary theory, and introduce them to the writing of some canonical critical theorists. Week by week, in a series of two-hour sessions, students will be introduced to a question or problem in literary interpretation, such as the role of the unconscious in writing, the ideas of ethnicity and nation and their influence on literature and culture. By reading a selection of theoretical texts each week, students will develop an understanding of these fundamental questions. Students will be introduced to the terminology of the various different theoretical positions studied; gaining familiarity with feminist, psychoanalytical, Marxist, post-colonial and post-structuralist concepts and terms, amongst others. Students should be able to understand these terms and employ them in their own work in a clear and unpretentious manner. Over the course of this module students will also have to consider the methodology of other disciplines in the arts, humanities and social sciences (philosophy, anthropology, political theory and history, for example), and ask how the methodology of literary studies is related to those other disciplines. (Group E)

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass EN2003 and pass EN2004

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 lecture and 1 tutorial, and 2 optional consultative hours.

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 280

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel