Course description
Course Description
The MA in Film and Literature focuses on theoretical and practical interactions between literature and film, providing students with a wide range of textual and analytic skills.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
ADAPTATION
AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE
Compulsory: ISSUES IN FILM THEORY AND HISTORY
Core: DISSERTATION
Core: RESEARCH METHODS IN LITERARY AND CULTURAL ANALYSIS
CREATIVE PERSPECTIVES ON TRANSLATION
CREATIVE PLAYWRITING 1
CREATIVE PLAYWRITING 2
CREATIVE WRITING AND GENRE
CREATIVE WRITING AND REFLECTION
CREATIVE WRITING MEMORY MAPS MA
EXPERIMENTAL CINEMA IN THE DIGITAL AGE
FILM AND VIDEO PRODUCTION WORKSHOP
FOUNDATION OF POSTCOLONIAL STUDIES
INTERPRETATION OF MYTH
ISSUES IN TRAVEL WRITING
LITERARY TRANSLATION AND COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
MODERN PROSTHESES: WRITING, TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSGENDER
MODERNISM/POSTMODERNISM
POSTCOLONIAL WRITERS AND CANONICAL TEXTS
REAL CINEMA: ETHNOGRAPHIC AND DOCUMENTARY FILM
SEA OF LENTILS: MODERNITY, LITERATURE, AND FILM IN THE CARIBBEAN
SHAKESPEARE IN THEORY
SHAKESPEARE: READING AND TEXT I
SHAKESPEAREAN PERFORMANCE HISTORY
THE PHANTASM
THE STUDY OF LITERATURE TODAY
THE TALE: TELLINGS AND RE-TELLINGS
THE USES OF AMERICAN ISOLATION
US MODERNISM AND AFTER
WAR, VIOLENCE & CONFLICT IN THE AMERICAN TROPICS
WRITING ART
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : A range of literature and film in special subject areas
A2 : Critical opinion and significant critical debates in literary and film studies, as well as recent critical interventions
A3 : The interrelation of relevant literary texts and literary critical thinking
A4 : The interrelation of relevant films and film criticism
A5 : Complex issues in the relationship between film, literature and culture (an appreciation of the way in which literary and visual texts are embedded in their cultural and historical milieux, and an awareness of their role in creating cultural change)
A6 : Advanced methods of critical analysis and argument
A7 : Appropriate research techniques and methodologies
Teaching Methods
1-7 are addressed in seminars and oral and written comments on essays and draft dissertations. 6 is additionally addressed in special seminars Students are expected to pursue their understanding of course content and special topics through independent study and wide reading. Tutors are available to offer advice in the adaptation of generic research techniques (6) to individual needs.
Assessment Methods
Formal assessment is by written coursework (four 4000-5000 word essays over four 10-week seminars) and dissertation. Students produce a written dissertation project of 20,000 words (honing expertise in outcomes 1-7).
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : Question received thinking
B2 : Think independently
B3 : Analyse and evaluate data at advanced levels
B4 : Reason critically in an environment of complex ideas
B5 : Argue coherently and persuasively
B6 : Adopt critical positions in reading complex texts and in writing on them
B7 : Analyse and evaluate theoretical concepts at advanced levels
B8 : Develop and sustain a critical argument over a sustained period of research
Teaching Methods
These skills are developed in: seminar discussions; class presentations (which may form the basis of essays) followed by questions and answers; guided instruction of primary and secondary sources in seminars; guided analysis of visual material in seminars; oral and written feedback on essays. Individual guidance (in addition to that available in formal seminars), is available in posted office hours during the preparation of essays and presentations in seminar. Individual guidance is available in advance of the deadline for the dissertation proposal, and detailed oral feedback is given on the proposal in advance of dissertation writing
Assessment Methods
Essays and dissertation. While the former are assessed in their own right, they are also regarded as a form of progressive assessment leading to the writing of the dissertation.
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : Organise, structure and present an argument in writing, putting forward clear critical positions
C2 : Analyse literary and cinematic texts employing advanced theoretical terms
C3 : Deploy a vocabulary of literary, cinematic, and critical terms
C4 : Compile and present extended bibliographies
C5 : Provide complex references according to accepted conventions
C6 : Use libraries and IT to gain access to a variety of scholarly sources
C7 : Write in a scholarly manner
Teaching Methods
This range of practical skills (1-7) is taught in seminars and developed through tutors' comments on essays, and in supervision of written work. Guidance on skills 4-7 is provided in special seminars on techniques and methodology. Advice on writing essays and dissertations is given in the MA guide
Assessment Methods
Essays and dissertations are assessed for all these skills
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Clear, focused, relevant and effective written expression and oral communication
D2 : Typing and wordprocessing skills; use of electronic library catalogues and email
D4 : Management of projects and timetables. Finding, understanding and organising information.
D5 : Ability to interpret and construct an argument, and to grasp other points of view
D6 : Finding, understanding and organising information
Teaching Methods
The relevant key skills are progressively encouraged throughout the degree. 1, 2 & 4 are employed in essays, and verbal and written feedback is given to encourage progress.
Assessment Methods
Essays and dissertations are assessed for qualities that incorporate all these skills.
