| Unit name | Literature: Exploring Short Stories |
|---|---|
| Unit code | LANG00016 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | QCA-3 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Mrs. Elizabeth Allen |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
Students require a proficiency of at least 6.0 in IELTS (min. 5.5 in writing and 5.0 in other components) or an equivalent. |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Centre for Academic Language and Development |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The unit aims to introduce students to the short story genre focusing on texts from English-speaking authors. Classes will focus on student-led close reading and analysis of the short story texts and discussion of the shared themes and features of the texts. The course also aims to develop study skills, including those particularly associated with literary study and critical thinking, and students will be encouraged to develop their own critical voice.
By the end of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate:
ILO1: An understanding of the short story genre and the works of several English-writing authors;
ILO2: Skills in identifying and discussing salient themes in a series of short stories;
ILO3: An understanding of the role of the system of intertextuality
ILO4: Enhanced their skills for independent reading;
ILO5: Skills in performing close analysis of prose text;
ILO6: Critical and discourse analysis skills;
ILO7: Skills of expression in an academic written context;
ILO8: Skills of expression in an academic spoken context.
There will be two 2-hour sessions per week for one teaching block. The sessions are in the form of a seminar, which will include discussion of the set reading or other set material of that week. Students will be taught using a communicative approach and will be in groups no larger than 16 to allow for such discussion of potentially controversial content (e.g. sexuality) in a supportive environment. In addition to the selected authentic texts, use will be made of appropriate e-learning technologies and the VLE.
In addition to assessment of learning (summative assessment) detailed below, there is regular assessment for learning (formative assessment) throughout the course.
Assessment for Learning:
All written coursework, including summative assessment, follows a draft - redraft procedure with both peer and tutor-led formative feedback scheduled into the scheme of work before final submission;
Individual presentation with peer and tutor-led feedback.
Assessment of Learning (summative assessment):
Course work (Essay) 1000 words; (25%)ILOS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Coursework (Essay) 1500 words (50%) ILOS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Individual presentation 15 minutes incl tutor-led questions (25%) The individual presentation is based on student coursework (essay 2) and will also assess ILOs 1-6 and 8.
A selection of short stories based around common themes
