Literature Masterclass

Late enrolments will still be accepted after the course has started. Enquiries to Dr Michelle Deininger via learn@cardiff.ac.uk.

Are you curious to learn more about research in English literature?

Would you like to explore topics that are at the cutting edge of the humanities with an expert? Literature Masterclass gives students the chance to engage with current debates in literature from the nineteenth century to the present day, exploring how literary texts are grounded in their cultural contexts and how they speak to issues such as identity, gender, politics, social justice, and many more besides.

You will be taught by a team of tutors who are experts in their respective fields and are keen to discuss and debate their research with adult learners. The module will be taught over two terms in order to give you time to read and reflect between sessions.

Learning and teaching

The module will be delivered through 10 two-hour sessions, spread over two terms, and made up of lectures, class discussions, small group work and debates. Class sessions will be supplemented by resources available to you via Learning Central.

You will be provided with a full list of topics and dates before the module begins.

Coursework and assessment

To award credits we need to have evidence of the knowledge and skills you have gained or improved. Some of this has to be in a form that can be shown to external examiners so that we can be absolutely sure that standards are met across all courses and subjects.

The most important element of assessment is that it should enhance your learning. Our methods are designed to increase your confidence and we try very hard to devise ways of assessing you that are enjoyable and suitable for adults with busy lives.

The basis of assessment will be a portfolio of writing (around 1,500 words). You may choose to write an essay, several shorter critical pieces, a review diary, reflective accounts, and/or creative responses to the literary texts.

Provisional syllabus

• Week 1 (26 October): Catherine Phelps – Crime Fiction in the Age of Brexit.
• Week 2 (16 November): Gemma Scammell - Murakami’s Leading Ladies: the nameless and the unremarkable.

Reading suggestions

Each tutor will provide a reading list in advance of their respective session.

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.