The Use of Language in Literature
MODULE CODE
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Module Aims
Aim 1
The aims of this module are to introduce students to the linguistic analysis of literary texts. The focus is on describing, explaining and analysing the relationship between linguistic choices and poetic effects in the three major literary genres of poetry, prose fiction and drama. In the lectures students are introduced to a range of analytical tools for describing and explaining meaning and effect, and in seminars students test their understanding by applying these tools in the analysis of a number of extracts from literary texts. The emphasis throughout the course is on students developing practical analytical skills.
Module Content
The module focuses on the linguistic construction, analysis and appreciation of poetry, narrative prose fiction and dramatic texts, with a section of the module devoted to each genre in turn. Topics covered on the module may typically include: The manipulation of language levels; Foregrounding through deviation and parallelism; Phonetics and sound symbolism; Introduction to authorial and text style; The manipulation of expected sentence structure; The construction and representation of character and narrator point of view; the (re)presentation of speech and thought; methodologies in stylistics; the structure and interpretation of dramatic conversation; shared knowledge in texts.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
No items foundTeaching Methods
The module will employ both formal lectures and seminar sessions which will include discussion, question/answer sequences, and problem-solving activities, as well as theoretical engagement with, and critical application of the ideas introduced. Teaching and learning on this module may also comprise class and group discussions, class-based group work, and face-to-face feedback with the tutor. There is an expectation that students will engage interactively with the tutor and their peers during the sessions, and undertake additional reading and preparatory work outside of the lecture and seminar sessions. In common with other English modules, this module is designed to foster an active, participatory, independent approach to learning, to develop critical faculties and to consolidate and develop written and oral communication skills.
Assessment Methods
This module is assessed through two Stylistic analysis of a literary extract.
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Compulsory
Optional
