Module QXE-4028:
Myth and Early Modern Writer

Module Facts

Run by School of Languages, Literatures, Linguistics and Media

30.000 Credits or 15.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Prof Andrew Hiscock

Overall aims and purpose

  1. an understanding of the expectations and textual discussion of myth from antiquity to the present day. In addition, postgraduates will become familiar with the conditions in which the set texts were produced.

  2. an informed understanding of selected authors.

  3. an understanding of differing critical approaches to myth and various textual cultures, including issues of authorship and textual transmission

Course content

Concentrating upon literary texts from the Ancient Greeks to the modern period, this module explores a wide selection of published and manuscript texts which deal with the highly complex and fluid concept of myth. Particular interest will be focused on: myth and nation-building; myth and genre expectation; myth and adaptation; myth and social critique; myth and politics. This module offers opportunities for the postgraduate to explore analogies between the written text and the development of other arts and there will be opportunities to reflect upon the evolution of genres from ancient times to the present day. As this module unfolds, postgraduates are offered the opportunity to give presentations on their research, lead seminar discussions and to pursue original research on set texts. As the semester unfolds, there ample time for everyone to shape and develop their own enquiries with regard to the rich topic of myth in literary production.

Assessment Criteria

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 Pass (B) 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 above (A) Typically, 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

  1. Understand and discuss the selected course set texts at an advanced level.

  2. Consider differing critical attitudes to course set texts at an advanced level

  3. Show an awareness of the interrelationships of text, context, authorship and textual transmission at an advanced level.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
ESSAY Essay - 4500 words 90.00
INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATION Presentation and discussion questions 10.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Seminar
  1. 11 x 2-hour tutorial, weekly.
 22
Study group

11 hours of structured activities, such as critical reading groups, study groups, research seminars and colloquia.

 11
Private study

Students are expected to read widely and to prepare thoroughly set texts and their critical reading for seminar discussion.

 167

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Courses including this module