English Literature
ASSESSED SUMMER SCHOOL: SUBJECT-SPECIFIC RETURN
Subject Area
This syllabus is for PARTNERS applicants seeking to progress to the degrees of:
1. English Literature (Q306)
2. Creative Writing (QW38)
Aims
To allow students to demonstrate their potential to succeed in specified degree programmes by
showing a grasp of entry level subject-specific knowledge, understanding, cognitive and subjectspecific skills.
Learning Objectives
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Knowledge of a range of texts across a variety of historical contexts
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A familiarity with a variety of genres and forms
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An awareness of a range of critical practices
Learning Outcomes
A good knowledge and understanding of a range of literary texts which are drawn from different historical
periods and which demonstrate different genres. Students will also be introduced to resources and
methods for using contextual materials and theory in their literary studies.
The ability to apply this knowledge and critical understanding to …
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Genre and how it determines meaning
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The importance of historical context
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The relationship between author/narrator and audience/reader
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Specific use of language such as irony, metaphor, dramatic speech
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Specific film techniques such as composition, shots, mise-en-scene
The ability to…
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Develop practical critical skills in the analysis of texts and films
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Engage imaginatively and critically in reading of literary, dramatic and visual texts
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Exercise and develop a sensitivity to verbal creativity
Competence in…
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Planning, researching and writing essays
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Using information technology
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Gathering, evaluating and organising information
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Summarising and assimilating information
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Working to deadlines
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Working in groups
Summer School Syllabus
Session 1: Introduction
Overview of the following sessions. Introduction to the materials.
Sessions 2 & 3: Ecopoetry
In this session we will discuss how poetry is capable of evoking the complexity of humankind’s
relationship to the natural world through theme and form. Earth Shattering (Bloodaxe 2007) is an
anthology of poetry that explores ecological themes and engages with wider cultural discourse on issues
of environment, sustainability and climate change. A close reading of individual poems from Earth
Shattering will prepare students for a session of group discussion and exercises that introduce and
expand upon the concept of ‘Ecopoetry’.
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Sessions 4 & 5: Reimagining Classic Texts
How do contemporary poets adapt existing texts? Focusing on Inferno, Dante’s famous poem about a
descent into the Underworld wherein sinners eternally suffer the sins they committed in their mortal lives,
and Sean O’Brien’s ‘On The Toon’ that depicts a hellish version of Newcastle upon Tyne, this session will
explore how O’Brien’s poem adapts Inferno, and will introduce students to several processes of literary
adaption. In this session we will discuss excerpts from Inferno alongside an excerpt from ‘On The Toon’
and also consider what an adaptation of Dante’s Inferno might contain.
Sessions 6-9 (including a two-hour film screening): Reading Film
This session aims to:
La Haine encourages us to think about social issues such as policing, crime,
and poverty.
Sessions 10-12: Romantic Poetry
Extending learning objectives at A-Level, this study of early nineteenth-century literature not only
introduces students to its revolutionary context, but also enriches their understanding of ‘Romantic’ poetry
as a political medium. Teaching short poems of the era including Lord Byron’s ‘Darkness’ (1816) and
Percy Bysshe Shelley’s ‘Ode to the West Wind’ (1819), the session focuses on the ways in which their
authors utilise natural metaphors to anticipate a rebirth of 1790s ideals. The workshop also encourages
students to consider the significance of poetic form to these radical themes, enhancing their awareness of
rhyme and metre by learning about techniques such as terza rima and blank verse.
Session 13: Assignment Preparation
This essay preparation session will give you guidance on how to approach, plan, and write assignments
for the Assessed Summer School. We will discuss:
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Activities for Personal Study
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Read texts before the sessions and prepare notes
Pursue recommended secondary reading in the library
Watch films and make notes
Visit appropriate websites
Gain an understanding of how to use research databases
Resources
All compulsory reading will be provided in a handbook
Assessment
Students will be required to produce a 1200-1500-word essay. Essay questions will be circulated in the
first seminar and will be available on Blackboard. Essays will require candidates to produce a close critical
reading of the text studied.
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Assessment cont.
Please confirm what method of hand-in will be used?
X
Electronic via Blackboard
Please confirm which project hand-in date you would like your students to use for their assessments:
X
Monday 24 July 2017