Studying at York
Writing Now - ENG00155I
- Department: English and Related Literature
- Module co-ordinator: Dr. Bryan Radley
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: I
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
- See module specification for other years: 2023-24
Module summary
This module explores the possibilities of literary criticism in different forms, drawing upon a wide range of examples from a span of historical periods and global contexts. It introduces various written forms and other media that emphasises a more fluid relationship between critical and creative practices. In collaborative, interactive workshops, you will analyse reviews, personal essays, translation projects, hybrid creative-critical writing, film, audio, and other multimedia work to discover engaging and challenging instances of criticality in a range of cultural modes.
In the first half of the semester, you will encounter various forms of critical writing that move beyond the academic essay. Lectures and workshops will explore the ways criticism can reach different audiences through writing and translation practices, the relationship between critical thinking and activism, and the intersections of creative and critical practice.
The second half of the semester focuses on the relationship between literature, criticism, and a variety of multimedia forms, including audio, film, and other artistic modes. Lectures will equip you with the skills and language to engage critically with work in these other forms. The interactive workshops provide space for you to collaborate on developing critical writing skills and multimedia strategies for effective communication of complex critical ideas to new audiences.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module aims to introduce students to innovative approaches to literary criticism through a diverse selection of written and multimedia texts and related critical approaches. Through interactive and collaborative workshops and engaging with multimedia critical techniques, students will develop written, oral and digital skills that will enable effective and creative communication of critical ideas to a wider audience.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
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Demonstrate an informed understanding of and engagement with critical and creative approaches to literary criticism.
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Demonstrate an informed understanding of and engagement with close textual analysis across a range of written and multimedia forms.
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Examine key multimedia approaches to critical practice and related debates.
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Develop a multimedia presentation that demonstrates a proficiency in critical thinking and the effective and creative communication of critical ideas.
Assessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework 1000-word Essay |
N/A | 50 |
| Groupwork Multimedia Piece |
N/A | 50 |
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework 1,500-word essay |
N/A | 50 |
| Essay/coursework 1000-word essay |
N/A | 50 |
Module feedback
- You will receive feedback on all assessed work within the University deadline, and will often receive it more quickly. The purpose of feedback is to inform your future work; it is provided in a pedagogical spirit, and the Department also offers you help in learning from your feedback.
- If you would like to discuss your feedback, please consult your tutor or your supervisor, during their Open Office Hours.
Indicative reading
The reading for this module comprises a variety of required and recommended short form texts e.g. essays, book reviews, poems, short stories and related critical material. The assigned texts will also include multimedia content such as film or podcast episodes. Specific suggestions can be found in a more detailed module breakdown.