Methods and techniques of Critical discourse
- Arts
- 900 level
- 3 credit units
- 7 pages
- 1 units
This course introduces students to advanced techniques and methods of critical discourse analysis. It builds upon knowledge from "Literary Theory and Criticism" at the M.A. level, focusing on the analysis of literary texts. Topics include Structuralism, Poetics, Semiology, Reader-Response, Deconstruction, Speech Act, Realism, Critical Consciousness, New Historicism, Naturalism, and Marxism. The course aims to develop students' critical sense and ability to apply these techniques in assessing and evaluating literary works.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- Yes
- Literary Theory and Criticism (MA Level)
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ENG915, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
What you should be able to do
- Distinguish between different techniques of critical discourse.
- Carry out meaningful discussions on challenging critical techniques.
- Apply critical techniques to various literary texts (stories, poems, plays, films, essays).
- Trace the relationship between advanced techniques and basic methods of criticism.
- Import acquired knowledge to other individuals or groups.
- Make critical connections in ideas and become better thinkers.
- Critically analyze issues to solve problems in texts and contexts.
What it prepares you for
- Literary Critic
- Editor
- Content Analyst
- Academic Researcher
- Cultural Commentator
- Publishing
- Journalism
- Education
- Media
- Cultural Analysis
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Advanced Critical Techniques
Unit 1: Deconstruction
Deconstruction's focus on undermining fixed meanings and inherent instability of language can be conceptually challenging.
- Module 2: Advanced Critical Techniques
Unit 5: New Historicism
New Historicism requires integrating literary analysis with detailed historical context, demanding interdisciplinary research skills.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 56 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Critical Discourse
Unit 1: Structuralism · 3 hours
Read the introduction to Structuralism.. Identify key figures and concepts in Structuralism.. Analyze a short literary text using Structuralist principles..
Unit 2: Poetics · 3 hours
Explore the linguistic foundations of Structuralism.. Examine the application of Structuralism to literary analysis.. Compare and contrast Structuralism with other critical approaches..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Critical Discourse
Unit 3: Semiology · 3 hours
Define Semiology and its relationship to linguistics.. Analyze how signs and symbols function in literary texts.. Discuss the contributions of Saussure and Peirce to Semiology..
Unit 4: Semiotics · 3 hours
Examine the role of the reader in constructing meaning.. Explore different Reader-Response theories.. Apply Reader-Response criticism to a selected literary work..
- Week 3Module 1: Introduction to Critical Discourse
Unit 5: Reader-Response · 4 hours
Understand the principles of Deconstruction.. Explore the concept of binary oppositions and their deconstruction.. Analyze a text using Deconstructive techniques..
- Week 4Module 2: Advanced Critical Techniques
Unit 1: Deconstruction · 4 hours
Define Speech Act theory and its key concepts.. Analyze how language performs actions in literary texts.. Discuss the implications of Speech Act theory for literary interpretation..
- Week 5Module 2: Advanced Critical Techniques
Unit 2: Speech Act · 4 hours
Explore the characteristics of Realism in literature.. Examine the historical context of Realism.. Analyze a Realist novel or play..
- Week 6Module 2: Advanced Critical Techniques
Unit 3: Realism · 4 hours
Define Critical Consciousness and its importance in literary analysis.. Explore the works of Paulo Freire and their relevance to critical discourse.. Discuss how literature can promote social awareness and change..
- Week 7Module 2: Advanced Critical Techniques
Unit 4: Critical Consciousness · 4 hours
Understand the principles of New Historicism.. Analyze the relationship between literature and history.. Apply New Historicist techniques to a selected literary work..
- Week 8Module 2: Advanced Critical Techniques
Unit 5: New Historicism · 4 hours
Explore the characteristics of Naturalism in literature.. Examine the influence of scientific determinism on Naturalist writers.. Analyze a Naturalist novel or play..
- Week 9Module 2: Advanced Critical Techniques
Unit 6: Naturalism · 4 hours
Understand the basic tenets of Marxism.. Explore the relationship between literature and class struggle.. Analyze a literary text from a Marxist perspective..
- Week 10Module 2: Advanced Critical Techniques
Unit 7: Marxism · 4 hours
Review Structuralism, Poetics, Semiology, and Semiotics.. Discuss the connections between these techniques.. Prepare for the mid-course assessment..
- Week 11Module 2: Advanced Critical Techniques
Unit 8: Review of Module 1 Techniques · 4 hours
Review Reader-Response, Deconstruction, and Speech Act theory.. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.. Apply these techniques to different types of literary texts..
- Week 12Module 2: Advanced Critical Techniques
Unit 9: Review of Module 2 Techniques · 4 hours
Review Realism, Critical Consciousness, New Historicism, Naturalism, and Marxism.. Discuss the social and political implications of these approaches.. Prepare for the final assessment..
- Week 13Module 2: Advanced Critical Techniques
Unit 10: Final Revision · 4 hours
Complete any outstanding assignments.. Engage in peer discussions and collaborative learning.. Final preparation for the examination..
Preparing for the exam
- Create detailed summaries of each critical technique, focusing on key concepts and theorists.
- Practice applying each technique to different literary texts, noting the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
- Develop a comparative chart outlining the relationships between the various critical approaches.
- Review key readings and class notes regularly, focusing on areas of weakness.
- Participate in study groups to discuss and debate different interpretations of literary texts.
- Pay close attention to the application of critical discourse in the analysis of literary texts.
- Understand the historical and social contexts of each critical technique.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ENG915 about?
This course introduces students to advanced techniques and methods of critical discourse analysis. It builds upon knowledge from "Literary Theory and Criticism" at the M.A. level, focusing on the analysis of literary texts. Topics include Structuralism, Poetics, Semiology, Reader-Response, Deconstruction, Speech Act, Realism, Critical Consciousness, New Historicism, Naturalism, and Marxism. The course aims to develop students' critical sense and ability to apply these techniques in assessing and evaluating literary works.
How many units does ENG915 have?
ENG915, Methods and techniques of Critical discourse, has 1 unit across 1 module, over 7 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ENG915?
ENG915 carries 3 credit units, at 900 level in Arts.
Is ENG915 hard?
ENG915 is rated advanced level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work, and it has a practical component.
How long does ENG915 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 1 units.
How is ENG915 assessed?
ENG915 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What do I need before starting ENG915?
Literary Theory and Criticism (MA Level)
What can I do with ENG915?
Literary Critic, Editor, Content Analyst, Academic Researcher and Cultural Commentator.