| Unit name | Illness Narratives |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ENGL30089 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Vaccarella |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one | |
| School/department | Department of English |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit aims to introduce students to illness narratives from a narratological point of view. We will map out controversial narratological concepts (such as unreliability or closure) in a selection of contemporary novels and memoirs focused on bodies and ailments. Our reflections on narratological analysis and on contemporary literature will help us retrace current debates in literary theory. For example, we will discuss whether illness narratives constitute a whole new literary genre – and their relationship with the allegedly new genre of ‘pathography’ – and to what extent they display defining features of postmodern writing.
Students will be given the opportunity to submit a draft or outline of their final, summative essay of up to 1,500 words and to receive feedback on this.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
(1) identify and assess key concepts and current debates in the medical humanities;
(2) demonstrate critical awareness of cultural factors in health matters;
(3) demonstrate advanced knowledge of humanistic approaches across disciplines;
(4) demonstrate skills in critical thinking, research, and written presentation, appropriate to level H/6.
Teaching will involve asynchronous and synchronous elements, including group discussion, research and writing activities, and peer dialogue. Students are expected to engage with the reading and participate fully with the weekly tasks and topics. Learning will be further supported through the opportunity for individual consultation.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. ENGL30089).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
