EN1REE-Researching the English Essay

Module Provider: English
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Level: 4
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring
Module Convenor: Dr MPV Hutchings
Pre-requisites: English Part 1
Co-requisites: EN1LL EN1WKT
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2009/0

Email: m.p.v.hutchings@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
This module aims to provide the research skills necessary for students of English and American Literature, and introduces a literary form with a long and rich history. Students will read and carry out research on set texts in the autumn term and encounter the English essay in the spring term.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students will be expected to:
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the set texts
• analyse a range of critical responses to literary texts
• discuss aspects of the relationship between the texts and the societies from which they emerged
• show independence in critical thinking and judgement
• articulate a coherent written argument in coursework.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
In the first term students will engage with three shorter literary texts and one longer text, and acquire the skills necessary for the successful negotiation of Part 1. These texts will include poetry and prose, and will form the basis of short exercises and workshop discussion in seminars. In the first term students will be taught how to use the library, including research resources such as the OED; learn how to edit and annotate a literary text; and receive guidance on the citation and referencing of literary and critical texts and on how to avoid plagiarism. Two exercises will focus on research and editing; and two will address the relationship between text and context. In the second term students will read examples of the English essay from across a range of periods and contexts, and engage with the form’s literary and other properties.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
A combination of lectures and structured seminar discussion, for which primary and secondary reading is a requirement.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	10	1
Tutorials/seminars	10	10	1
Practicals
Other contact (eg study visits)
Total hours	20	20	2
Number of essays or assignments	4	1	1
Other (eg major seminar paper)

Assessment:
Coursework

Four short exercises written and submitted during the course of the Autumn Term, counting for 50% of the mark for the module; a formative essay of up to 1500 words submitted during the course of Spring term; and a summative essay of 1500 words, accounting for 50% of the overall mark for the module, submitted for formal assessment in the Summer term.

Relative percentage of coursework
Short exercises and assessed essay: 100%

Penalties for late submission
Ten marks (out of 100 on the normal University conventional scale) will be deducted from a piece of work submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadlines (or any formally agreed extension of that deadline). Once this period has elapsed a mark of zero will be recorded.

Examinations
None.

Requirements for a pass
A mark of at least 40% for the module.

Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in September. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted by 1 September.

Last updated: 7 December 2009