ATS3279 - Reading and critiquing the European canon today - 2019

The unit explores canonical works of European literature, by authors such as Dante, Cervantes, Goethe, and Zola. The unit offers an opportunity to understand different cultures and genres through the study of major literary texts that have had an ongoing influence on the development of national and world literatures. As well as examining and critiquing why these works have been celebrated as "Great Books", the unit critically evaluates the notion of literary canonicity and explores both traditional and subversive approaches to reading them in the twenty-first century.

Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. analyse critically a variety of literary texts to evaluate and formulate coherent, sophisticated arguments, both written and oral;
2. communicate effectively their ideas during in-class discussions based on thoughtful reflection on the issue;
3. demonstrate a critical understanding of current theoretical approaches to the analysis of canonical literary texts;
4. exhibit cross-cultural competence through transnational readings of the set texts;
5. develop research skills pertaining to literary criticism and textual analysis.

Within semester assessment: 70% + Exam: 30%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Literary studies