Adventures in Criticism introduces students to literary criticism, leading them through some of the best and most influential examples from its history, and guiding them on their journey to becoming literary critics themselves. On the module they will read and discuss a wide range of literary-critical texts addressing different genres, periods and theoretical frames. Through these readings, they will make connections between critical approaches and think about how they might inform their reading practices on this and other modules. The module will help students understand the significance and usefulness of criticism and will develop a sophisticated understanding of the dynamic relationship between literature and criticism. The module also includes a series of writing workshops aimed at supporting and developing key writing skills in relation to literary criticism.
Contact hours: 48
Private Study Hours: 252
Total Study Hours: 300
Main assessment methods
Assignment 1 (30%): Written assignment (1,500 words)
Assignment 2 (50%): Final project (2,500 words)
Assignment 3 (20%): Seminar preparation and participation (including presentation)
Reassessment methods
100% coursework, 3,000 words
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Identify the nature, purpose and history of literary criticism;
2 Understand and be able to accurately use the critical terminology appropriate to the topics covered by the module;
3 Evaluate a range of critical approaches to literary texts;
4 Interpret literary texts using literary criticism as a guide;
5 Reflect on their own critical practice in relation to examples of literary criticism.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Identify and apply strategies of reading relevant to the material they encounter;
2 Apply close reading techniques to critical texts, and critical concepts to literary texts;
3 Develop their writing skills using literary criticism as model;
4 Reflect on the logic and rhetoric of argumentation;
5 Manage their time and workload effectively.
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