Module QXE-3022:
Shakespeare and Early Modern Literature

Module Facts

Run by School of Languages, Literatures, Linguistics and Media

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Prof Andrew Hiscock

Overall aims and purpose

This module offers third-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.

Course content

This module offers third-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 Criteria

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

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

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

  1. enhanced understanding of the diversity of English literature produced from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

  2. enhanced research skills with reference to textual analysis.

  3. enhanced experience of textual interpretative strategies

  4. enhanced skills to exploit library collection, most particularly with reference to the early modern texts and databases of early modern literature.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Essay 1 - 2,000 word essay 45.00
Presentation and discussion 10.00
Essay 2 - 2,000 word essay 45.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Seminar

One two-hour seminar per week for 11 weeks

 22
Study group

One one-hour study group per week for 11 weeks

Students are encouraged to form together into small groups to perform seminar preparation and to establish areas of agreed understanding and to identify ongoing queries

 11
Private study

Students are expected to prepare set texts and relevant critical reading thoroughly for seminar discussion each week.

 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

Optional in courses: