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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2011 - 2012

Module Title Literature Foundation
Module Code LIT1
School Oscail
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorMr James BruntonOffice NumberD102
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 15
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
This module introduces students to the concept of genre through in-depth analysis of key texts: stage and film versions of drama; poetry and fiction. The module also examines what study skills are needed to (successfully) study literature at third level.

Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and describe key critical concepts and theoretical approaches toliterary texts
2. Recognise the distinctive characters, conventions and historicaldevelopment of the three principal literary genres, poetry, prose and drama
3. Describe the relationship between texts and the social, cultural andpolitical contexts in which they are produced
4. Interact with texts using literary critical tools
5. Produce pieces of written criticism using conventional literary criticalformats
6. Outline, and describe, theme and technique in texts in different genres
7. Personally reflect on learning and evidence academic skills development



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Tutorial15No Description
On-line learning15No Description
Independent learning345No Description
Total Workload: 375

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
Unit 1: How do we read literature?.
Unit 2: Be Prepared! Getting Ready to Study.

Unit 3: Learning Together - Group Work and Presentations.
Unit 4: Hamlet, Text and Context.

Unit 5: Hamlet and Criticism.
Unit 6: Tennessee Williams and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Unit 7: Approaches to Research.
Unit 8: Thinking about Drama.

Unit 9: Reading Poetry 1: Metre, Rhythm and Rhyme.
Unit 10: Reading Poetry 2: Figurative Language.

Unit 11: Reading Poetry 3: Form and History.
Unit 12: Writing Skills 1.

Unit 13: Reading Poetry 4: New Criticism.
Unit 14: The Poetry of W. B Yeats.

Unit 15: Writing Skills 2.
Unit 16: The Nature of Fiction.

Unit 17: Charles Dickens, Great Expectations.
Unit 18: James Joyce, Dubliners.

Unit 19: Arundhati Roy, The God of Small Things.
Unit 20: Preparing for Assessment.

Unit 21: Summary and Review.
Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment50% Examination Weight50%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentAssessment takes a variety of forms, including essays, reports, learning journals, presentations and group assignments.In this module assessments also focus on the development of appropriate study skills in order that students not only learn about literature but also how to "do" literature.50%n/a
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
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List
  • Shakespeare, William: 1992, Hamlet, 2nd ed. (ed. Cyrus Hoy), W. W. Norton & Co.,
  • Barry, Peter: 2009, Beginning Theory, 3rd Edition,
  • Furniss, T. and Bath, M.: 1996, Reading Poetry: An Introduction, Harvester Wheatsheaf,
  • Brooks, Cleanth: 1947, The Well-Wrought Urn: Structures in the Study of Poetry,
  • Williams, Tennessee: 1955, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, 2010 Edition (Philip C. Kolin ed.),
  • Charles Dickens: 0, Great Expectations, ed. Edgar Rosenberg (New York: Norton Critical Editions, 1999),
  • Roy, Arundhati: 1997, A God of Small Things, Flamingo,
  • Timothy Webb ed.: 2000, W.B.Yeats: Selected Poetry, Penguin,
  • Roy, Arundhat: 2002, ‘the ladies having feelings, so…’ in The Algebra of Infinite Justice, Flamingo,
Other Resources
None
Programme or List of Programmes
BADiploma/BA in Humanities
BAEHDiploma/BA in English & History
BASMBA Single Module
Timetable this semester: Timetable for LIT1
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