Overview

Over eleven seminars, this module offers the opportunity to study critical discussions of the art of fiction as well as performing close readings of a new prose narrative each week. The first half of the module will explore examples of fiction in the period 1580-1720 composed by writers such as Deloney, Nashe, Wroth, Behn, Defoe, Congreve and Heywood. In the middle of the module, the group will have the opportunity to study a major work of fiction from the eighteenth century, such as Fielding's Tom Jones, Sterne's Tristram Shandy or Richardson's Clarissa. In the second half of the module, we turn our attention to later developments in the art of fiction exemplified in the comic writing of Smollett, the gothic novels of Radcliffe, the nation-building historical fictions of Scott, and the rise of the novel of courtship with figures such as Burney or Austen. Assessment will comprise: a) a recorded 15-minute powerpoint presentation and b) a 4,000-word essay. Both of these exercises will be tightly linked to the critical and textual materials covered during the module and will be evaluated as critical enquiries conducted by students at an advanced level in English studies.

Assessment Strategy

-good -Good (60-69%): A candidate’s work 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 -Excellent (70%+):Typically, the work of a candidate 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. -another level-C- to C+ (50-59%): Typically, a 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.

Learning Outcomes

• to acquire, through sustained research at an advanced level, skills sets to construct systematic and informed argumentation

• to evaluate a wide range of theoretical, critical and fictional texts at an advanced level with originality

• to synthesise informed views on a given subject, demonstrating knowledge acquisition at an advanced level.

• On successful completion of the module, students will be able to: to analyse and critique published criticism as well as examples of prose fiction by exploiting theoretical and cultural debate at an advanced level

• to deploy presentational skills sets at an advanced level

• to formulate coherent and evidenced responses at an advanced level