Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Exile & Belonging in American Short Fiction
Module Code	EN205
School	SALIS
Online Module Resources
Module Teacher	Brian Duffy
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the narratives modes and thematic concerns of the genre of short American fiction by way of the short stories of contemporary American writers. Students develop their knowledge of a variety of modes of narrative discourse and functioning, with particular focus on formal and structural features of literary texts. The module also compares and contrasts different narrative techniques and styles. These skills are developed through: (i) subjecting literary texts to systematic close readings, initially by students preparing the text for tutorials; (ii) students participation in discussion of textual analysis in weekly tutorials; (iii) students in-class presentation of their analysis of passages of narrative prose texts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify distinguishing characteristics of individual writers styles in short prose fiction.
2. Compare and contrast the narrative functioning of a range of short prose texts.
3. Evaluate the functioning of the formal dimensions of literary texts.
4. Discuss critically important recurring themes in contemporary American short fiction.
5. Critically evaluate alternative interpretations of narrative texts.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Tutorial	24	Analysis of literary texts.
Independent learning	72	Tutorial preparation: close reading of literary texts.
Assignment	30	Reading of texts, and planning and writing of essay.
Total Workload: 126

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Short stories.
Critical analysis of short stories by a range of contemporary American writers..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Essay	Discussion of thematic and/or formal aspect(s) of literary text(s).	100%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List