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Special Study: Narrative

  • Module code: EN6002
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 6
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Level 5 requirements
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module looks at narrative story telling in both fictional and real life stories. We explore concepts within narratology to explore the theory of narrative, as a way to understand the nature, form and function of narratives. We will look at the common or universal characteristics of narrative storytelling as well as differences and find out how it is that we are able to comprehend, memorise and produce stories. We will look at narrative structure, characterisation, narration and disnarration, narrative beginnings, the narrator as witness, children's narratives and fairytales, and narratives in the media (eg. newspapers, blogs) such as those following major world events.

Aims

Permit a detailed and extensive study of an area in applied linguistics, focusing on developing an understanding of the key issues at stake and of the range of theoretical positions taken on those issues in the literature.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of and discuss key ideas in the area of applied linguistics studies
  • develop their own original ideas on the central issues discussed
  • work independently and manage their time efficiently
  • demonstrate the ability to conceptualise and structure an extended piece of writing

Curriculum content

Topics studied will include:

  • Understanding Narratology: story grammars and schemas
  • Literary models of narrative
  • Sociolinguistic model of narratives – oral narratives
  • Children's stories – the fairytale
  • Narratives of trauma
  • Media narratives

Teaching and learning strategy

Teaching will be conducted via weekly two-hour interactive lectures in Teaching Block 1 and fortnightly seminars, reading groups, and personal tutorials in Teaching Block 2.  Activities within the two-hour interactive lectures will involve tutor-led presentations of key theories and principles relevant to the specialised area of study and student-led discussions of readings, work-in-progress or language data samples.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Interactive lectures 14
Scheduled learning and teaching Seminars/Reading Groups/Personal Tutorials 30
Guided independent study Guided independent study and preparation for assessment 256
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Assessment will comprise (i) an extended piece of writing, in which students will be expected to present their own ideas, drawing appropriately on a wide range of scholarly sources, (ii) one piece of practical work that will allow students to explore their chosen topic creatively, independently and practically in a range of possible formats, such as web-based, audio-visual, textual, etc. and (iii) an oral presentation on the topic of the extended essay. Portfolio equivalence 8500 words.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
demonstrate an understanding of and discuss key ideas in the area of applied linguistics studies Assessed formatively through in-class discussions and summatively through the extended essay.
develop their own original ideas on the central issues discussed; Assessed formatively and summatively through both assessment components.
work independently and manage their time efficiently; Assessed summatively through the extended essay and practical project.
demonstrate the ability to conceptualise and structure an extended piece of writing. Assessed summatively through the extended essay.

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Coursework Portfolio 100
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS a requirement that the major category of assessment is passed in order to achieve an overall pass for the module

Bibliography core texts

Recommended reading will be tailored to specific subjects and will include pertinent critical and theoretical sources both of a general type and related to the chosen focus of the module.

Bibliography recommended reading

Croker, R.A. (2009) Qualitative Research in Applied Linguistics. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

D'Hondt, J-O. Ostman, and J. Verschueren (2009) Handbook of Pragmatics: Highlights. Vol. 1- 10. Netherlands: John Benjamins. 

Johsnstone, B. R. Wodak and P. Kerswill (2010) The SAGE Handbook of Sociolinguistics. London: SAGE.

LItoselliti, L. (ed.) (2010) Research Methods in Linguistics. New York: Continuum. 

McCabe, A. (2011) An Introduction to Linguistics and Language Studies. London: Equinox.

Sealey, A. (2010) Researching English Language: a Resource Book for Students. Oxford: Routledge.

Wray, A. and Bloomer, A. (2006) Projects in Linguistics: a Practical Guide to Researching Language.  London: Arnold.

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