Module QXE-2119:
Shakespeare and Early Modern L
Shakespeare and Early Modern Literature 2023-24
QXE-2119
2023-24
School Of Arts, Culture And Language
Module - Semester 1
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Andrew Hiscock
Overview
This module is an opportunity to develop your interests in the English Renaissance and to explore a broad range of texts produced from the late fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries. At the heart of this module are Shakespeare and his contemporaries and we return to their texts as an anchor for discussion. The range of texts taught varies from year to year and each year, but you will always have the opportunity to study examples from the major genres of poetry, prose and drama produced during the period. In addition to close readings of the set text, we will reflect on ways in which criticism (e.g. Historicisms, Gender and Sexuality Criticism, Eco-Criticism and Post-Colonialism) have asked us to respond to the challenges of these texts.
This module offers second-year students the opportunity to explore in much greater depth their interests in Shakespeare and his contemporaries. As the semester unfolds, you will have the opportunity to study works in prose, poetry and drama, to discover unexpected examples of comedy, tragedy and satire and to consider the ways in which writing in the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century writing engages with, challenges and sometimes thwarts our expectations in the twenty-first century.
Assessment Strategy
Threshold -Typically, work graded D- to D+ (or 40 to 49) will show many of the following qualities:•Unsure and lacking in confidence when discussing ideas•Referring to the subject in question in a superficial manner•Making an effort to provide fairly balanced answers•Some points in the argument irrelevant to the topic•Little evidence of background reading•Some uncertainty over language and syntax•Strengths and weaknesses fairly balanced; occasionally clumsy and unimaginative•In creative work: superficial•Not succeeding in mastering the requirements of the medium
Good -Typically, work graded B- to B+ (or 60 to 69) will show many of the following qualities:•Discusses ideas adeptly•Most of the arguments about a specific field are well-aired•Displays knowledge of the subject in question; the answer is relevant•Shows analytical and clear thought•Gives evidence of relevant reading•Shows accuracy in expression with mastery over language.•A few minor errors here and there.•Signs of creative thought deserve a higher position within the class•In creative work: shows signs of originality, having understood the requirements of the medium•Plans of well-balanced and full answers, despite some gaps
Excellent -Typically, work graded A- to A** (or 70 to 100) will show many of the following qualities:•Discusses ideas with confidence and precision•Demonstrates maturity and sophistication•Displays deep knowledge of the subject in question; the answer is totally relevant•Shows independent, analytical and clear thought•Gives evidence of substantial and relevant reading•Shows great accuracy in expression, displaying total mastery over all aspects of the language•Shows occasional signs of brilliance and originality of thought•In creative work: displays considerable originality•Command over medium; may have potential for publication/production
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse the diversity of English literature produced from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
- Conduct close textual analysis and critical interpretation
- Identify and apply a range of textual interpretative strategies
- Identify and apply the requisite skills to exploit library collection, most particularly with reference to the early modern texts and databases of early modern literature.
Assessment method
Individual Presentation
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
One 5-minute recording presentation on a subject agreed between student and tutor linked to set texts studied in weeks 1-6. Students will be allowed to take forward part of the preliminary research performed in this exercise towards their final essay assignment.
Weighting
45%
Due date
03/11/2023
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
2000-word essay. This essay will focus on at least one set text covered in weeks 7-12 and aim to develop further close reading skills and to combine them with enhanced critical and historical knowledge. Students are allowed to develop research performed in the initial presentation for this exercise. However, they must ensure that the research is relevant as a response to the set question.
Weighting
55%