Prospectus

nl en

Literature 1A: Introduction to Literary Studies in English

Course
2020-2021

Admission requirements

Not applicable.

Description

During this course students (of English) will learn the basic skills necessary for the study of (English-language) literature. The student will learn how to analyse poetry, prose and drama by studying works from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. The focus will lie on the structural and stylitic elements of works of literature as well as their cultural and historical contexts. By doing several writing assignments students will take the first steps towards writing literary-critical essays.

Course objectives

By the end of the course students will

  • have knowledge of key structural and stylistic aspects of poetry, drama and prose fiction.

  • be able to apply key literary terms in their critical reading of literary texts.

  • be able to express their critical judgement in clear and well-structured academic prose.

Timetable

Visit MyTimetable.

Mode of instruction

  • Lectures

  • Seminars

  • Self-motivated study of assigned reading

Assessment method

Assessment

  • Several writing assignments over the course of the semester;

  • A written exam

Weighing

  • Several writing assignments over the course of the semester, together worth 50% of the grade; minimum grade average: 6;

  • A written exam worth 50% of the grade; minimum grade: 5,5.

The final grade is determined by calculating the average grade for the above-mentioned assignments and exam, which is rounded to the nearest half. A final grade below 5,5 (also 5,49) is insufficient.

Attendance is compulsory. Missing more than two tutorials means that students will be excluded from the tutorials. Unauthorized absence also applies to being unprepared, not participating and/or not bringing the relevant course materials to class.

Resit

Only when the final grade is insufficient can students resit an insufficient exam and/or assignments . The resit grade will replace the original grade.

Inspection and feedback

How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.

Reading list

  • Octavia E. Butler, Parable of the Sower (headline)

  • Greenblatt, Stephen, et al (eds.). The Norton Anthology of English Literature, 10th edition Volume F (Norton) [NOTE: do NOT buy the abridged “Major Authors” edition of the Norton Anthology].

  • Klarer, Mario. An Introduction to Literary Studies 3rd edition (Routledge 2013)

  • Hitchcock, Shadow of a Doubt (Dvd, legal download, YouTube)

  • Syllabus 2019-2020

Registration

Enrolment through uSis is mandatory.

General information about uSis is available on the website

NB: First year students will be enrolled by the coordinator of studies.

Students other than from the BA English language and culture cannot take this course.

Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs

Registration Studeren à la carte

Registration Contractonderwijs

Not applicable.

Contact

Please contact Student administration Arsenaal or the coordinator of studies for questions.

Remarks

The reading for week 1 will be posted on Brightspace before the start of the course.

Disclaimer: Please note that the course descriptions, in particular the assessment method, might be adjusted (timely) depending on the measures taken regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.