ENMCH9-Nineteenth Century Children's Literature

Module Provider: English Literature
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: n.h.cocks@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module serves two main functions: firstly, to familiarise students with important children's fiction from the 19th century, including works by Charles Kingsley, Catherine Sinclair, Lewis Carroll, Charlotte Yonge, and Mrs. Ewing. Secondly, the module addresses theoretical questions to do, for instance, with genre, gender, and class, as well with literary history and period-definitions. The module therefore aims not just to discuss texts, but also to ask: why these texts? and what is 'history'? and, perhaps most importantly, what (if any) are the relationships between 'history' and the reading of texts?

Aims:
This module serves two main functions: firstly, to familiarise students with important children's fiction from the 19th century, including works by Charles Kingsley, Catherine Sinclair, Lewis Carroll, Charlotte Yonge, and Mrs. Ewing. Secondly, the module addresses theoretical questions to do, for instance, with genre, gender, and class, as well with literary history and period-definitions. The module therefore aims not just to discuss texts, but also to ask: why these texts? and what is 'history'? and, perhaps most importantly, what (if any) are the relationships between 'history' and the reading of texts?

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students must produce a 3000-3500 word essay considering a selection of nineteenth century text or texts, and/or addressing issues raised on the module, such as ideas of period, genre, and identity. The essay must demonstrate an awareness of relevant theoretical issues and questions, and of how these issues might be included and formulated in the writing of the essay. The essay must therefore demonstrate too the student's ability to reflect on their own critical practices and assumptions, and t heir ability to revise and adjust their thinking and writing in the light of this reflection.

Additional outcomes:
In addition to the above, students will:
1) be able to formulate questions and recognise relevant problems and complexities.
2) be able to examine and question their own assumptions, arguments and choices of critical languages.
3) be able to analyse arguments made by others in terms of their assumptions and claims, including those of their tutor.
4) be able to read any text - fictional, critical, or non-fictional - closely and be able to analyse its precise use of language.
5) be able to think out loud and engage in peer-group discussion and debate.
6) be able to question notions of authority and think in an independent manner relevant to their own development.

Outline content:
Important children's fiction from the 19th century is read, including works by Charles Kingsley, Catherine Sinclair, Lewis Carroll, Charlotte Yonge, and Mrs. Ewing, and works which relate to issues relevant to the module, such as J. J. Rousseau's Emile.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module consists of twenty two once-weekly classes of one hour's duration. The classes are taught in a seminar format, with students preparing a set text before classes, and engaging in group discussion in the seminars, under the tutor's guidance.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
Not applicable.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
One 3000-3500 word piece of written work (date of submission subject to staff-student committee confirmation every year).

Formative assessment methods:
Formative assessment consists of feedback on seminar participation and extensive feedback on all written work.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%.

Reassessment arrangements:
If the student submits an unsatisfactory coursework essay or assignment, the student will be allowed to re-submit the piece once more after tutorial consultation
If the student is required to be re-examined on the coursework essays, they may be permitted one calendar month's extension for the subsequent submission of the dissertation.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 4 April 2020