Overview

This module will introduce students to various critical and creative theories and research methodologies relevant to the critical study, and the practice-based production, of literature, film and culture. It will emphasise the links between theory and practice, showing students how to involve theory in practice-based and practice-led research. It will also teach key skills for postgraduate-level assessments. Critical topics may include: gender/queer theory; race; psychoanalytic criticism; cultural memory; materiality; postcolonialism; media theory; sociological criticism; ecocriticism; globalisation; Marxist criticism.

This module will introduce students to various critical and creative theories and research methodologies relevant to the critical study, and the practice-based production, of literature, film and culture. It will emphasise the links between theory and practice, showing students how to involve theory in practice-based and practice-led research. It will also teach key skills for postgraduate-level assessments. Critical topics may include: gender/queer theory; race; psychoanalytic criticism; cultural memory; materiality; postcolonialism; media theory; sociological criticism; ecocriticism; globalisation; Marxist criticism.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50-59%A Pass (C) candidate’s work will show many of the following qualities:•A satisfactory level of knowledge, analysis and expression.•Some familiarity with, and understanding of, relevant theoretical issues.•Generally sound organisation of argument, with some critical ability.•Accurate expression.•Competent use of quotation and references. -good -60-69%A candidate’s work reaching Merit will show many of the following qualities:•An advanced level of factual knowledge.•Significant [substantial] knowledge of relevant theories and types of analysis.•Some evidence of original thought.•The ability to organise and argue effectively, make balanced judgements, and demonstrate critical thought.•Fluent and accurate expression.•Competent use of quotation and references. -excellent -70% and aboveTypically, the work of a candidate reaching Distinction will show many of the following qualities:•Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant theories and types of analysis.•Thorough knowledge of a range of sources and the capacity to engage these critically.•Introduction and discussion of original ideas.•Relevant, well-organised and sophisticated argument.•High ratio of analysis to exposition.•Maturity, clarity and cogency of expression.•Excellent handling of quotation and references.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of some of the major trends in critical studies, and how these may inform practice, or offer new understanding of texts

• Gain a good understanding of research methodologies relevant to the production of literature, film or culture;

• Present sophisticated ideas in an appropriate form

• Write lucidly in a form and register appropriate to the task (e.g. in a literary-critical essay, there should be a formal register, and the essay should contain footnotes and a bibliography, using the appropriate reference system).